Wirral's public health chief is urging golf fans to take precautions as the Royal Liverpool course swelters in a heatwave.

The Met Office has forecast high temperatures - and thunderstorms - for the Northwest this weekend.

Director of Public Health for Wirral Fiona Johnstone said: “It’s great to have the chance to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather – we don’t get sunny summers as often as we’d like – but it’s important to be safe in the heat too.”

If you’re watching the Open, there are measures you can take to keep you and your families cool and comfortable.

The hottest part of the day is between 11am and 3pm so if you are out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf.

Other things you can do to take care during the hottest parts of the day are self-explanatory…

• Avoid extreme physical exertion and wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.

• Save any walking or jogging for the cooler parts of the day.

• Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.

• Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content.

• Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.

Look out for others too - keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool. Ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars.