SUN worshippers have been urged to avoid risking overexposure to heat as temperatures soar around the region.

Anyone enjoying the current good weather has been urged to take care after the ambulance service responded to several people suffering heat-related problems over the weekend.

Paramedics were sent out to a variety of heat related emergencies in Essex caused by overexposure to the sun.

On Sunday morning an 11-year-old girl passed out in Billericay but she did not need hospital treatment.

At around noon a 12-year-old boy in Stanford Le Hope needed help after feeling faint and suffering a headache from sitting in the sun.

Shortly afterwards an 80-year-old man was found outside the Odeon cinema in High Street, Southend, suffering the effects of the heat.

A man in his late 70s in Cambridge Road, Rochford, was taken to hospital after also suffering the effects of the heat. An ambulance was sent following a call just before 6.45pm, and he was taken to Southend Hospital for further care.

On Saturday at 8.21pm, the ambulance service was called to a 15-year-old girl in Shaw Road, Witham, who was complaining of heat exhaustion. A crew was sent but she did not need hospital treatment.

The most vulnerable in hot weather are the very young, older people or those with existing medical conditions. In particular, it can make heart and respiratory problems worse and in extreme cases excess heat can lead to heat stroke which can be fatal.

People should ensure they have enough medication if treating a long-term condition and take the necessary precautions to prevent the bad effects of heat exposure.

Ambulance service spokeswoman Joy Hale said: “Our ambulance crews can be very busy at this time of the year, seeing people who might have overdone it in the heat. The warmer weather is something we all take advantage of, and by following just a few simple precautions, people can enjoy the sun safely.”