Dramatic maps show exactly where more than 2,000 lightning strikes have raced across the UK in the wake of Met Office weather warnings issued for dozens of areas

Councils in Birmingham, Solihull, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire and Worcestershire will be given help.

Cheshire East Council is one of 30 offered exceptional financial support from the government.

Cheshire East, Halton, Trafford and Wirral councils are deemed to require additional financial help.

Two yellow wind warnings have been issued by the Met Office – one for Friday morning and another for Sunday.