While the north-west of England is no longer subject to a hosepipe ban, United Utilities is urging that its customers do not give up on their water saving efforts.

The company suggests that water saving measures - both in the garden and within the home - remain important and can help the environment even when water stocks are high.

Richard Blackwell, supply demand manager for United Utilities, says: "Reservoir levels have risen in recent weeks in Cumbria and north Wales."

"We now have sufficient reservoir storage overall to be able to lift the ban," he adds.

United Utilities was forced to put the ban in place in July following the lowest quantities of rainfall seen across the UK between December and June for 70 years.

However, the recent deluges witnessed in the area have helped to replenish stocks, as well as giving residents of the north-west a soaking.

The rain could be set to continue into the weekend, with the Met Office issuing a severe weather warning for Friday, August 20th in anticipation of heavy downpours across the region.