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UK heatwave: Photos show dramatic impact on River Teme

Environment Agency Drying out of the upper River TemeEnvironment Agency
This aerial picture taken on Wednesday shows the extent of the heatwave's impact on the river

Water in part of a river straddling England and Wales has all but disappeared due to the heatwave.

Parts of the upper River Teme in north Herefordshire have completely dried out in the space of just a few days.

More than 500 salmon and trout have been rescued by the Environment Agency, which has worked on sections of the river for more than a week.

The agency said it was continuing to rescue fish on Thursday as further sections had dried out.

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Environment Agency Scene on MondayEnvironment Agency
At the start of the week, a stretch of the Teme was already completely dry
Dave Throup Staff rescuing fishDave Throup
Other parts had more water, including this stretch where staff were out rescuing fish
Dave Throup The dry riverDave Throup
But just days later, that same location had completely dried up
Dave Throup RiverDave Throup
One pool of water was still visible on Monday, but the edges already showed signs of vanishing
Dave Throup Area of River TemeDave Throup
By Wednesday the effects of the heatwave were clearly visible and it had almost completely dried out
Dave Throup RiverDave Throup
Even areas, including this one, where water appeared to be flowing more heavily at the start of the week have changed quickly
Dave Throup Area of River TemeDave Throup

Sections of the river's upper reaches are prone to drying out during hot weather and this happens on average about once every three years, the Environment Agency said.