by Richard Cronin

It’s hot!

Temperatures are expected to reach 29C in Maidstone and the surrounding areas today.

In the town centre, businesses are gearing up for an increase in customers by placing more tables and chairs on the pavements outside their properties, and expect a high demand for tables with umbrellas.

Playschemes such as Hotfoot, run by Maidstone council, are proving popular thanks to the good weather. Liam White, 11, and Hayden Lean, nine, pictured right, took part in one of the sessions at Bower Grove School, Maidstone.

Here’s a few, none too strenuous, ideas to make the most of your day.

• The River Medway looks its finest in the summer, with leaf-heavy branches gently tipping into the river and water-boatmen skimming the surface. Take advantage of this scenery with a gentle stroll along the river bank.
• Catch the breeze with a boat trip on either the Allington Belle or the Kentish Lady, both of which pick up passengers on a regular basis from the centre of town.
• Pack a picnic and head to in Mote Park where you can find a nice shaded area by the lake or let the kids wear themselves out running around.
• Cool off by taking a dip in the swimming pools at Maidstone Leisure Centre.
• If you’re working in town, make the most of your lunchbreak and head to Brenchley Gardens for a short siesta in the sun, away from the hustle and bustle.
• Head for the Millennium Park along the river bank. There’s plenty of spots for a snooze, which means you can catch up on some sleep - 95 per cent of us are struggling at the moment.
• Buy an umbrella – there’s cloud and rain predicted for tomorrow and the rest of the week.

Have you been out enjoying the sun? Email jpegs to messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk