Waste collection rounds in Rutland will start earlier in the day this week, to protect crews from a forecasted heatwave.

From Tuesday (June 23) until Friday (June 26), refuse teams will start collections at 6am rather than 7am to avoid working throughout the hottest periods.

Temperatures are expected to climb to as high as 38°C by Thursday, according to the Met Office, amidst a heatwave due to envelop southern England and Wales over the course of the week.

Rutland County Council has confirmed that the change in schedule is only temporary, to help "maintain services while keeping crews safe during the warmer weather".

Residents are advised to place caddies out the night before where possible, or no later than 6am on the day of collection.