Southern Water has been granted a drought permit.

That means it can take more water from the River Medway - to help ensure levels at Bewl Water reservoir.

The permit - granted by the Environment Agency - remains in force until March 31, and allows the water giant to take more water from its intake at Yalding.

The new permit covers how much water flows over Teston Weir on the River Medway.

At the moment there's a minimum of 275 million litres per day allowed. That can now fall to a minimum of 100 million litres a day.

This, and the fact less water will be taken from Bewl, should mean the reservoir will fill up more rapidly.

It comes just a week after the region was officially placed in drought.

In the south east, we’ve had two consecutive dry autumn/winter periods and a dry spring in between.

Andrew Pearce, area manager for Kent and South London, said "We believe applying for a winter drought permit to maximise refill of the reservoir in March is a pragmatic approach enabling Southern Water to manage their supplies going into the summer months.

"This is the best time to apply for a drought permit because there is less demand on water in the river from agriculture and wildlife.

"Refilling of the reservoir now during the colder, wetter part of the year means that its water can be used during the summer period to benefit local residents and the environment."