Severe drought declared in six areas of England as reservoirs run low

A severe drought has been declared across six areas of England, with reservoirs in the south reaching critically low levels and threatening public water supplies.

The drought affects parts of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex. The declaration follows the UK's hottest summer on record, according to provisional Met Office data.

Water companies are calling for extended restrictions on non-essential water use. These would affect golf clubs, private schools and car washes, among other users.

Some southern reservoirs have dropped to critical levels, prompting urgent action to secure public water supplies in the affected regions.