Hounslow Council has announced that bin collections across the borough will start at the earlier time of 5am to help staff survive the heatwave.

The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning ahead of extreme temperatures predicted on Monday and Tuesday (July 18 and 19).

Collecting the borough's rubbish and recycling is particularly heavy work and with temperatures expected to soar towards 40C, protecting crews from the most intense afternoon heat is of paramount importance.

The council has asked that this information be passed on to neighbours, particularly anyone who may not have access to the internet or tends towards a morning dash to take the bins and recycling out at 7am.

In a statement the council said: "The crews will start their collections from 5am rather than the normal 7am. If it is your collection day on Monday or Tuesday, please make sure your bin is out by this time. We will review the situation throughout the week."