Greece battled a dozen major wildfires, including one threatening its third-largest city Patras, as a heatwave stoked blazes and forced the evacuation of thousands in southern Europe.

Weather warnings have been issued for thunderstorms and heat alerts extended as the fourth heatwave of the summer continues.

The AA says baking temperatures weaken road surfaces, leading to a spike in pothole-related vehicle breakdowns.

The marks in the grounds of Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire and Mottisfont in Hampshire give a view of both the ...