Aircraft facility at RAF Cranwell closed as 'tarmac melts'

A facility at RAF Cranwell has been closed amid reports that the tarmac has melted as a heatwave sweeps across the UK.

Sky News first reported that the hot weather had melted the flight line at the key RAF base in Lincolnshire, impacting flying training for pilots.

An RAF spokesperson, however, has insisted that flying training had not been affected.

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"As a precautionary measure, the main aircraft service area at RAF Cranwell is currently unavailable for routine use. Flying training is not affected and will continue by using alternative service areas," the spokesperson said.

RAF Cranwell is home to No 3 Flying Training School which delivers the elementary flying training for fixed wing and multiengine student pilots from the RAF and Royal Navy.

The Met Office has extended an amber extreme heat warning, as temperatures look to build later this week and early next week for much of England and Wales.