Four South West Water bowsers have been sent to Lundy Island to help secure water supplies after a prolonged dry spell has left the island facing a water shortage.

The three mile-long island in the Bristol Channel, which can have up to 160 residents it during peak season, is reliant on rainfall for its water supplies and recent dry weather has reduced availability.

Island manager Derek Green explained:

"The weather in the first half of the summer has been fairly calm which has been great for our visitor numbers but the lack of rainfall has put pressure on our water supplies. We're grateful to South West Water for sending us these bowsers which will help us move water round the island and make sure no-one runs out."

Water restrictions are in place and all visitors are being urged to use water wisely.

This is the second time South West Water bowsers have made the trip on the MS Oldenburg to Lundy Island. In September 2001  two 900 litre (200 gallon) tanks travelled from Bideford to Lundy after a water tank ruptured and the weather was dry.

The bowsers each hold 900 litres or 200 gallons. Two of the four bowsers are full of water: the boat was unable to take four fully loaded bowsers.