It’s not easy keeping cool at work when it is as hot in the Black Country as Ibiza or Rome.

That’s the prospect facing thousands of manual workers filling Black Country factories, foundries and warehouses.

Staff at one factory in Wednesfield say there is nothing better than a traditional British cuppa to keep them going as temperatures outside soared to 30C, 86F, and those inside were higher still.

The staff at Ashworth Frazer Drainage Systems, in Neachells Lane, are being told by management to drink tea or water during the day and wear “as little as possible”.

Mark Willington, assistant branch manager, said: “Our advice is, try to drink lots of water, stay in the shade away from the sun and wear the right clothing for the weather. It’s been very hot but the staff have coped very well.”

Meanwhile animals enjoying the sunshine have been taking cool showers and using suncream to stay safe in the sun at Dudley Zoo.

Daily, staff are applying sun cream to the kune-kune pigs and hosing alpacas with cold water.

For the sweet-toothed animals, a ready supply of fruit ice-lollies have been handed out by keepers – with a family of Rothschilds giraffes among 30 small primates in Lemur Wood enjoying the treats.