Lancashire folk are being asked to use water wisely as the worst drought for 30 years hits the South East of England.

Ministers granted the first drought order for ten years this week, banning non-essential use of water in that region.

The North is not affected and a United Utilities spokesman said: "Our reservoirs... are currently 92 per cent full on average, which is typical for this time of year.

"We are not looking at introducing hose pipe bans or any other measures."

But he added that as the weather was unpredictable, customers should always use water wisely.