A drought has been officially declared across the West Midlands by the Environment Agency.

The news means that ten of the Environment Agency's 14 areas are now in drought.

The national body said prolonged hot dry weather has led to "exceptionally low river flows and low groundwater levels" and a decline in reservoir levels with some well below average for the time of year.

There has also been a "very large" increase in demand for water.

The agency said a sustained average or above average rainfall in the coming months would be needed to replenish rivers and reservoirs.

"Until - and unless - that happens, many areas will remain in drought," a statement said.

EA chief executive Sir James Bevan added: "Water pressures on wildlife and the environment remain high and despite recent rainfall and the pause in the hot dry weather, we must continue to manage water wisely.

"Both for the coming year and, with the impact of climate change, for the coming decade, a complete gear change is needed for how water companies and all water users, from farmers to households, think about how they use water and understand its fundamental value.

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"This summer should be a wake-up call for how the nation prepares for weather extremes and how we make the very best use of our water resources. Our National Framework for Water Resources sets out clearly what we are doing in the face of a new normal for water and we are determined to drive that forward."