The first hosepipe ban in Sussex in nine years comes into force today.

Southern Water has introduced the restrictions on hosepipes and sprinklers to 110,000 homes in northern Sussex because water levels at the Weir Wood Reservoir, near East Grinstead, are almost half the normal level.

Operations director Steve Salter said: "It has been the second driest winter since 1904 and the lack of rainfall has meant that we have less water available for use throughout the summer."

Areas affected include Crawley, Horsham, Rudgwick, Cowfold, West Grinstead, Henfield, Steyning, Washington, Storrington, Pulborough, Wisborough Green, Amberley, Fittleworth, Petworth, South Harting, Northchapel, Midhurst and Cocking.

For information on how to save water, visit the web site www.southernwater.co.uk