The Drought Spreads Across England

The Midlands and south-west England are the latest areas at risk of drought status according to the Environment Agency.

Parts of south-east England and East Anglia, already officially in drought, were joined by South and East Yorkshire last week.

Two years of lower-than-average winter rainfall has meant rivers across the country have not been replenished.

"Without substantial rainfall, the risk of drought could spread to parts of the West Midlands and south-west England," a spokesman said.

"It's important that we all use water wisely and use less of it. The amount we use at home and in our businesses has a direct affect on the amount of water available in rivers and for wildlife."

Most areas received less than half the long-term projections for average rain.

Edited from the BBC Online