Calls have been made for the people of Norfolk to do their bit to save water as East Anglia braces itself for the worst drought in living memory.

The rallying cry came as people in Norwich were yesterday given the chance to discover how to make the most of the water in their homes and gardens.

As part of United Nation's World Water Day, the Norwich Carbon Reduction Trust hosted a World Water Festival at the Forum.

The event included digital displays and experiments demonstrating the impact of water pollution on wildlife in the protected habitats of the River Wensum.

Experts from Anglian Water were on hand to advise how to tackle household leaks and save water during the hosepipe ban.

Rachel Watson, from the Norwich Carbon Reduction Trust, said: 'It's all about what people can do in their everyday lives to use water more thoughtfully and usefully.

'Water is a fantastic luxury but we need to help people think about what a valuable resource it is.'

Useful tips include turning the tap off when brushing your teeth - someone brushing their teeth for three minutes twice a day while leaving the tap running will use up to 30 litres of water every day.

Another tip is to put a jug of water in the fridge overnight so you do not need to leave the tap running to make a cold glass of water in the morning.

Marcia Davies, community education manager from Anglian Water, said: 'With the drought happening, it's a perfect time for us to get out conservation messages.

'We're showing people ways they can continue to look after their gardens and keep them flourishing but by using less water. It's also about showing people how water can be used more effectively in their homes.'

The forthcoming hosepipe ban will be implemented from April 5 as a result of desperately low water reserves following the driest 18-month period in more than a century.

It is the first time Anglian Water has called for a ban in more than 20 years.