The final four water companies with hosepipe bans have lifted them with immediate effect.

South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Veolia Water Central and Veolia Water Southeast said the restrictions that have been in place since early April have now ended following the "abnormally heavy rainfall" that has fallen over much of the country.

Seven water companies across southern and eastern England had brought in the hosepipe bans after two unusually dry winters.

Thames Water, Anglian Water and Southern Water all removed their restrictions last month, now known to be the wettest June since records began and double the average rain fell during the month, whilst April was the wettest for more than a century.

A joint statement from the four companies said they were heavily dependent on ground water supplies but these have now recovered sufficiently to enable them to lift the bans.

It said: "The companies would all like to thank their customers for complying with the restrictions and supporting their plea to use water wisely. This has kept demand for water well below levels normally experienced at this time of year.

Mike Hegarty, operations director for Sutton and East Surrey Water, said the hosepipe ban was expected to have been kept in place for the duration of the summer.

He added: "The recharge in the aquifers brought about by the abnormally heavy spring rainfall is most welcome, normally winter rainfall recharges the aquifers. The recharge is unprecedented and is the highest increase in water levels ever recorded in our area at this time of year."

Mike Pocock, water resources manager at Veolia Water Central, said: "We would ask customers to please continue to use water wisely. While most welcome, this recovery in the aquifers does not remove the underlying problems caused by the drought and we are continuing to plan for the possibility of a third dry winter."