PARENTS and children arrived at Worcester's Gheluvelt Park to take advantage of the hot weather - only to find its popular paddling pool was empty.

The missing water was because of cutbacks to the city council's budget announced last year.

"There was only the budget for one pool attendant this year and it takes two to keep the pool open, said Ian Yates, the council's parks and cemeteries manager,

"The pool will now open at the start of the school holidays."

The pool will be missed more than ever this weekend, as the heatwave continues.

"There will be a good deal of dry, sunny weather with the odd thunderstorm," said Evening News weatherman Paul Damari, who added temperatures were well above average.