DEFRA is warning of high levels of air pollution in Essex this Friday. 

The UK Air website, which monitors the quality of the air across the country, shows a spike in pollution this week in central, eastern and nothern England. 

Very high levels of pollution are expected in the far southeast of England, due to a flow from the south. 

The warning, issued at 4am today, shows the pollution will mostly be cleared by Sunday as during Saturday clearer Atlantic air will spread across all areas bringing levels down on Saturday and Sunday, back to generally low with isolated areas of moderate.

Tom Defty, of the Essex Weather Centre, said the pollution was caused by air from industrial areas in mainland Europe blowing towards England.

He said: "It is all about the wind direction. We have got high pressure and it will be fairly uncomfortable for a couple of days."

Mr Defty also warned UV levels would remain high for the next few days, meaning people would be at higher than normal risk of sunburn.

The UK Air website advises adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms while pollution is high. 

People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should alsoreduce physical exertion. Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.

When pollution is very high, adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity.

People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat.