EAST Lancashire has experienced its sunniest June for 39 years, according to a local weather expert.

Roy Chetham, who runs a weather station in Huncoat, said the month also saw just 50 per cent of the rain that would be expected, with only 1.8 inches falling.

He said: “Nearly half the month’s total rainfall came in one thunderstorm on the 28th.

“Although temperatures broke no records, it was the warmest June since 2006.

Also, though Huncoat only recorded a maximum of 78.3F, other places in East Lancashire reached over 80F.

“We have now had seven consecutive dry months with only 55 per cent of average rain.”

Residents have been warned by bosses at United Utilities to conserve water, with a hosepipe ban expected in the coming days due to falling levels of reservoirs.