Rivers are beginning to dry up as Sussex faces up to a summer drought.

Lewes District Council has warned that across the county rivers and streams are beginning to run low on supplies.

The Winterbourne stream in Lewes has not flowed at all this year.

Water temperatures in rivers and streams are rising rapidly, which will cause further problems to wildlife.

Councillor Sarah Osborne, the district council's lead member for the environment, said: "Although Southern Water and South Eastern Water are responsible for water supply and water reserves in the district, the council is keen to encourage an environmentally-aware attitude to water use.

"We would like to remind all residents and businesses there are simple steps we can all take to minimise waste and promote efficient use of this precious resource."

Howard Davidson, regional director for the Environment Agency in the South, said: "At the moment we are in the grip of one of the most severe drought periods in the last 100 years.

"Against this background we must all do our bit to conserve water if we are to preserve the environment of which we are so proud."

For a free hippo, which can conserve water when installed in a toilet cistern, contact Southern Water, FREEPOST (BR 1500), Worthing, BN13 1BR or email customerservices@southernwater.co.uk