A CLOUD of smog fuelled by sand from the Sahara Desert is expected to head northwards today, Wednesday.

A warning to cut down on outdoor exercise has been directed at anyone who has been suffering the effects of high levels of pollution - including sore eyes, coughs and sore throats.

The warning comes as England is experiencing its worst ever levels of air pollution according to public health experts.

Advice for the general population is to carry on 'usual outdoor activities' but adults and children with lung problems in the town and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, have been advised to consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors.

This morning's forecast says large parts of southern England have "high" levels of pollution, with some parts "very high", and the smog is forecast to move northwards.

Tomorrow, high levels of pollution are forecast for East Anglia, the Midlands, Lincolnshire, eastern parts of Wales, through the Wirral and the north coast of Wales.