Wessex Water has become the latest water company to announce a hosepipe ban – its first in 50 years.

The firm, which supplies 1.4 million customers across Bath, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, last put a ban in place during the infamous hot summer of 1976.

The ban begins at one minute past midnight on Tuesday 18 August.

More than 27 million people across England are already under hosepipe bans.

It comes after the UK roasted in five heatwaves over the summer, with a potential sixth on the way before autumn arrives.

On Thursday, the hottest day of the year was recorded at London’s Kew Gardens, with temperatures reaching a sizzling 38.1C.

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