A hosepipe and sprinkler ban affecting more than 1.4 million people has come into force. South East Water said demand for drinking water had reached "record levels" since May due to extended spells of warm and dry weather. The temporary ban will affect households in Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex, the firm said.

Thames Water announced its hosepipe or temporary use ban (TUB) after the EA placed much of its area in its "prolonged dry weather" category, one away from drought status. The EA said it expects more water companies to follow with their own TUBs, although it will be dependent on rainfall and temperatures in the weeks ahead.

Millions more people are now under a hosepipe ban as Southern Water is the latest firm to introduce one. Southern Water has introduced the ban across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which will come into force at 9am on Monday.