South-east England faces drought

South-east England has officially been deemed to be in drought by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

After one of the driest winters since the 1976 drought, the prospect of a hosepipe ban is likely for many this summer.

Members of the government have met with representatives from water companies and wildlife charities to discuss the situation, which will require careful planning and restrictions to be put in place.

Caroline Spelman, the Environment Secretary, said: "It is not just the responsibility of government, water companies and businesses to act against drought. We are asking for the help of everyone by urging them to use less water and to start now."

Rainfall is needed in the coming weeks in order to improve the situation and water companies have emphasised that they are not running out of supplies but being careful will help to make sure they don't.

Prior to 1967, the driest year in the UK for the past 100 years was in 1933.