United Utilities has called off its planned hosepipe ban for millions of customers in the north west of England.

The company was due to bring in the restrictions on August 5 but said that slightly cooler temperatures, recent rainfall and water-saving efforts by customers had meant it did not need to introduce them at the moment.

But the firm warned there was still a possibility of restrictions if more rain did not arrive in the coming weeks.

Dr Martin Padley, water services director, said: "Given the improved position, helped by recent rainfall, we do not want to inconvenience customers unnecessarily at this time.

"However, the long-range forecast from the Met Office is one of relatively dry weather into the autumn, so future restrictions are still a possibility if more rain doesn't arrive."

The ban was originally scheduled due to what is believed to be the longest heatwave since 1976 and would have affected seven million customers.

It would have affected Ellesmere Port, Frodsham and Helsby, and parts of Chester.

However, many households in Chester are supplied by Hafren Dyfrdwy (Severn Dee), formerly Dee Valley Water.

Hafren Dyfrdwy has no plans for a hose pipe ban put does provide advice on its websites to help customers save water during the hot weather.