Mains leak cuts turnout

There's water, water everywhere at Southampton University, from sailing on the Solent to the world-class oceanography centre. But not a drop to drink this week as the UK headed towards the hottest day of the year, writes Claire Sanders.

A leak on a water main forced the university to close its Highfield campus for two hours on Wednesday. Employees were asked not to turn up for work until 10am.

Only day nursery staff arrived at their normal time. "The building has air conditioning and we supplied bottled water and ensured that toilets in a neighbouring building could be used," said a thoughtful spokesperson.