Water companies have warned that parts of UK could see drought this summer after the driest winter in more than 20 years.

Lack of rain over the autumn, winter and early spring has left some rivers and reservoirs,particularly in the south and west, with dwindling levels.

With weather experts warning that there is little sign of rain to come, many farmers and gardeners are desperately watering their crops as the ground dries out.

Until now water companies have played down talk of hosepipe bans, but as the dry weather continues the public has now been warned that restrictions could be on the way in some areas unless reservoir levels are replenished by prolonged rainfall.