MILLIONS of sun-worshippers will be flocking to the region's beaches, parks and beer gardens again today - and possibly for the next fortnight.

Forecasters predicted last night that the country would soon see the highest temperature ever recorded - and that the scorching weather would continue for the next 14 days.

Attractions throughout the North-East and North Yorkshire are reporting huge increases in visitor numbers, leaving tourism bosses rubbing their hands with glee.

But the searing heat took its toll on the rail network, causing major delays for angry passengers across the country, particularly on the West Coast Main Line where a 60mph speed limit was in place on large stretches.

North-East travellers faced delays because of speed restrictions on the East Coast Main Line at Peterborough and Hatfield, as the problem of rails buckling in the hot weather emerged.

Europe too is sweltering. Portugal declared a national disaster as forest fires devasted thousands of acres, and water was sprayed over a French nuclear power station to cool it down as temperatures soared towards 100F (38 C).

London was the hottest place in Britain yesterday with temperatures of 32C (90F) - even warmer than Barbados, where Prime Minister Tony Blair is on holiday.