RESIDENTS in Sandhurst were kept awake overnight by intense lightning strikes as the country sweltered during what was expected as one of the hottest nights on record.

Thunderstorms spread towards the south east late last night (July 24) as the Met office issued a yellow severe weather warning for most of England until 9am this morning.

By Thursday, the UK could witness its hottest day ever, with the Met Office predicting a 60 percent chance it could reach 39C in the south east.

Temperatures have reached around 24C during the night, making it difficult to sleep and many feeling lethargic.

Those who were kept up by the heavy downpours and thunder took photos of the lightning bolts in the sky.

If you took any artistic shots of the lightning, send your pictures to: isabella.perrin@newsquest.co.uk