A hosepipe ban is set to take effect for Cornwall and parts of North Devon.

It comes after a drought was officially declared in Devon and Cornwall on Friday (12 August).

The ban is part of South West Water's drought plan and will come into effect from Tuesday 23 August at 12.01am.

South West Water spokesperson Lisa Gahan said: "Due to the extremely hot and prolonged dry weather, we believe the right thing to do is to introduce a temporary use ban, acting now in areas of the region where we are forecasting pressures on reservoirs, to protect water resources and to safeguard the environment, allowing rivers and reservoirs to recharge over the winter months."

What does the ban mean exactly?

You can't use a hosepipe to, for example, water your garden or clean your car.

However, South West Water has said that you can still do those activities using tap or other water from a bucket or watering can.

The ban does not apply to blue badge holders on those on the water company's priority register.

Businesses and farmers are unaffected.