SNOW was falling in North Yorkshire today - despite the heatwave gripping the nation.

Scarborough Sea Life Centre and Marine Sanctuary was the perfect place to chill out when it was transformed into a winter wonderland.

Sanctuary manager Iain Hawkins said: "We wanted to be certain that the penguins and otters were going to be comfortable in the soaring temperatures, so we have hired a snow machine and two tonnes of ice."

The seven Humboldt penguins, along with otters Cherry and Eric and the seals, were staying cool by playing with the ice.

Mr Hawkins said: "As well as providing an amusing spectacle for visitors, there is a serious side to the icy treat.

"The otters, penguins and seals are intelligent creatures and they respond well to being given different things to interact and play with.

"We are always looking for different ideas to help keep them stimulated and to improve their environment."

Forecasters today predicted that the heatwave would last into the weekend.

The county enjoyed one of the hottest days of the year yesterday, with temperatures reaching 29C (84F) in York and Selby.

A spokesman for PA weather centre said: "We're looking at another fine day across North Yorkshire today with similar temperatures to yesterday. We're expecting the hot sunshine to continue on Saturday, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was our hottest day yet.

"There may be a bit of cloud moving through on Sunday, which could produce a few showers."

Britain's top temperature yesterday was, 36.4C (97.5F) at Gravesend, in Kent.

Updated: 14:15 Thursday, August 07, 2003