North-West England is experiencing its driest start to the year since 1929, prompting water firms to appeal for a drought order to be brought in.

John Saunders from United Utilities explains that the region has only received half its average rainfall since December last year.

"Water levels in reservoirs across the Pennines and the Lake District which are the core of our supplies to north-west England are well below average for the time of year," he said.

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