Water bosses have claimed it is "extremely unlikely" they will have to impose a hosepipe ban this year.

Sussex is unlikely to face the droughts suffered last year despite predictions of a hot summer, water companies and weather forecasters say.

Last year was the warmest on record in the UK and more than 13m people were placed under hosepipe restrictions, after two consecutive dry winters prompted one of the most serious droughts of the past 100 years.

But water companies serving Sussex revealed they do not forsee introducing similar bans this summer but urged people to continue to save water wherever possible.

Howard Handley, director of South East Water, said: "The good news is the wet winter has topped up the vital underground water sources on which we rely so heavily in the South East. Barring an exceptional and protracted dry spell it is extremely unlikely we will need to introduce a hosepipe ban this year.

"But climate change and population growth in our region mean we all need to continue to save water where we can, and not just during droughts or hot spells."

Water restrictions were introduced in 2005 and 2006 following record dry winters for two consecutive years. Southern Water and South East Water both finally lifted the hosepipe and sprinkler ban earlier this year after a wet winter replenished supplies and restored resources back to average levels.

But the warm April weather, coupled with predictions of another hot summer, had prompted fears that water levels could again dip to low levels and force further restrictions.

The Met Office's official forecast for this summer said there would be "periods of very hot weather", warning that it could affect the "very young and very old" and those who suffered with breathing difficulties.

Meyrick Gough, Southern Water's water planning and strategy manager, said: "We have had lots of winter rain which has recharged our reservoirs and underground sources. Therefore we do not anticipate having to put a hose pipe ban in place over the summer.

"However, it is important we all continue to do our bit and use water wisely and not waste it.

"Last summer our customers across the region did a marvellous job and saved enough water to supply a town the size of Brighton and Hove. Even though we have more water this year compared to this time last year, we hope people remember that water is a precious resource.

"We will keep the water resource situation under constant review over the upcoming months and would like to remind our customers to enjoy water - but not waste it."

A public consultation on whether water firms could impose compulsory metering in "water stressed" parts of England will end on April 24.