PARTS of the country are no longer in drought following the wettest April on record - but Suffolk still is.

The Environment Agency made the announcement after 19 counties saw the drought status lifted due to heavy rain boosting river and reservoir levels.

However the situation for the Anglian Water region remains unaffected with groundwater levels remaining low.

A spokesman said: “While the rain has helped to refill our reservoirs, levels in the natural, groundwater aquifers remain significantly below normal.

“We need to remember that the few wet weeks we have just experienced comes after two dry years and most importantly, two dry winters.

“This, unfortunately, means that the hosepipe ban will not be lifted, but we will keep the situation under constant review.”

Water stocks in many reservoirs are now recovering after the wettest April in records dating back more than 100 years and many groundwater supplies remain low and at similar levels to 1976 when England was gripped by prolonged drought.

Environment Agency chief executive Dr Paul Leinster said: “The recent record rainfall has eased pressure on water resources in some parts of England, helping levels in rivers and reservoirs to recover and providing relief to farmers, gardeners and wildlife.

“Low groundwater levels remain a concern across many parts of England, with many still at a similar level to those in 1976 and unlikely to return to normal levels before the winter.”

The forecast for the coming week is unsettled with a mixture of sunshine and showers.

Temperatures will reach 14C which is below the average for this time of year.