Southern Water's hosepipe ban has been lifted today (Friday), after what the utility firm called an excellent response from customers, helping save 11 million litres of water.

A temporary use ban was introduced on the Isle of Wight and in Hampshire at the start of August.

The company warns that a drought risk still remains, because river and reservoir levels remain lower than normal, despite the recent torrential rain.

However, from today, customers in the two counties will no longer have to restrict water use outside their homes.

The measures were brought in during the summer drought, to protect the Rivers Test and Itchen.

Katy Taylor, Southern Water’s Chief Customer Officer, said: "Thank you to everyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who have supported this hosepipe ban over the past three months.

"We know it has been inconvenient, but your help has allowed us to protect our environment during almost unprecedented drought conditions.

"While we are now in a position to life the ban – news which I am sure will be widely welcomed – we continue to experience the effects of drought across our region, with river and reservoir levels not back to where they really should be at this time of year.

"This is why we continue to encourage everyone to play their part in using water wisely through the coming months.

"In the face of climate change and population growth, a dry winter could put us at risk of drought and restrictions again next year, so we must do what we can to protect and preserve this precious resource."