A drought has been extended across the whole of Wales with the country on course for its driest July on record in 190 years.

Declaring the drought, the country’s environment body Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said sustained high temperatures were causing the condition of the natural environment to “deteriorate”.

The decision has been made in response to record-low river levels, dry soils, widespread wildfires and mountain impacts on wildlife, farming and forestry.

NRW had already announced a drought across the north and parts of mid Wales last week.

The nationwide announcement made on on Thursday will trigger more monitoring of rivers and stronger advice for the public on use of water.