Homes across south London and Surrey are banned from using a hosepipe ban from today.

Thames Water, Southern Water, South East Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East have all introduced bans, affecting around 20 million people.

They say the restrictions are the result of one of the driest two-year periods on record.

And anyone caught using a hosepipe could face a £1,000 fine, as much of the south east is officially in a state of drought.

The Environment Agency said most reservoirs were now below normal levels and river flows were decreasing, conditions which have seen the likes of Sutton Council move fish from ponds and lakes safer locations.

Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman, said: "These temporary restrictions will help protect the public's water supply in the areas most affected by the record low levels of rainfall we have experienced.

"We can all help reduce the effects of drought by respecting these restrictions and being smarter about how we use water."