Thames Water has revealed when a hosepipe ban, which will affect millions of customers, will begin.

The ban, which will prevent people in the north of Kent from watering their gardens, washing cars and filling pools, will start next Wednesday, August 24.

In a statement Thames Water said: "This applies for all customers we supply water to, even if we don't bill you directly.

"Although the ban officially starts next week, the sooner we can all save more water, whether using a hosepipe or not, the better for everyone."

The ban comes after the driest July on record, and below average rainfall in 10 of the last 12 months.

It's the second to hit Kent after South East Water brought one in on Friday.

Thames Water added: "Water levels in our rivers and reservoirs are much lower than usual.

"We have more teams reducing leakage than ever before, working 24/7 to find and fix more than 1,100 leaks every week.

"The recent heatwaves mean that demand for water is also at record levels.

"We’ve been working around the clock to supply everyone, and customers have been brilliant at saving water where they can.

"But, with low rainfall forecast for the coming months, we now need to take the next step in our drought plan.

"Everything we do now will help protect supplies next summer and help the environment."

The ban means Thames Water customers will not be allowed to use their hose for watering gardens, allotment or plants.

You must also not use it to fill or maintain a paddling pool, swimming pool or hot tub.

You can't wash your vehicles, clean windows, walls, paths, patios and other artificial outdoor surfaces like artificial grass.

Recreational use like water fights and water slides is also out of the question.

The ban applies to hosepipes, and anything attached to them, like sprinklers and jet washers.

But Thames Water has stated customers can use fill up watering cans or buckets.