Looking back to 1976 - year of the sizzling summer heatwave

While there have been subsequent heatwaves, it remains the standard by which all British summers are judged.

Between June and August, the UK reportedly recorded its hottest average temperature for more than 350 years and its driest summer for 200, a record subsequently surpassed by an even drier 1995.

In Cumbria, the hot weather saw children cooling off in the paddling pool at Silloth while their parents enjoyed the sunshine, no doubt happy to see them occupied.

It also ensured a good turnout for Carlisle Great Fair, a tradition since the Middle Ages. Another traditional practice was the crowning of carnival queens. In our picture, a young woman is shown clutching flowers after being named Annan’s ‘Queen of the Border’ - an honour she doesn’t seem entirely comfortable with - while another picture shows the crowning of the Queen of Wetheral Fete eagerly observed by a crowd.

There may have been a heatwave, but school continued for British youngsters, and those at Nelson Thomlinson School, in Wigton, posed for a formal picture after winning prizes.

No doubt keen to look their best, the boys wear jackets, although their long hair is perhaps a little out of keeping with the occasion.

Cycling proficiency was considered as important in 1976 as it is now, and children at Oulton School are shown with a policeman and two bikes, including a Raleigh Chopper. Iconic of the era, the Chopper was launched in 1969 and through the 1970s, defined youth culture for a whole generation.

Another police-related picture shows dog training by officers at Carleton Hall, in Penrith, while the adorable Rita Irving dancers are all dressed for a performance.

Despite the dry conditions, the harvest took place as usual.