Britain's summer may have been somewhat underwhelming so far, but Italy is experiencing something of a heatwave.

Temperatures in Rome are expected to reach at least 40 degrees Celcius by the end of the week, so the keepers at the city's Bioparco Zoo have been feeding the animals customised ice lollies to help keep them cool.

Some have been treated to blocks of ice with fruit inside, while others prefer frozen fish.

Zoo official Yitzhak Yadid believes it is vital to give creatures such as bears a varied diet in the blistering heat.

He said: "Even though they are used to hot weather, still a treat here and there helps them and gives them something to do, which is very important to keep them busy as well."

The bears are not the only animals enjoying a little pampering in the hot weather, chimpanzees and lemurs have also been given fruity treats to keep them cool.