The search for water went back to the future when a traditional dowser met leak detectors using the latest technology.

David Russell attended a special experience day at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, near Chichester, to give visitors an opportunity to try their hands at the ancient art of dowsing. Bob Smith and Andy Bebee, of Southern Water, showed how their leak-busting methods help save million of gallons of water every day.

The pair were armed with the very latest equipment such as acoustic loggers, leak noise correlators and gas injection location devices.

But David, a museum trustee and member of the British Society of Dowsers, relied on his two trusty dowsing rods.

Bob said: "With more than 8,200 miles of water main to look after, we rely heavily on modern equipment.

"Without it, tracking down leaks would be like searching for needles in underground haystacks. However, modern techniques and ancient arts continue to go hand in hand.

"We still use some of the traditional methods, such as listening sticks to literally listen for water leaking from the mains, and some water industry technicians use dowsing methods."

Since beginning its crackdown on leaks in 1989, Worthing-based Southern Water has saved 130 million gallons a day, enough to supply more than 500,000 people.