Families left without running water for more than 24 hours during lockdown after several pipes burst are delighted to find taps are running once again.

An emergency supply of bottled water was delivered to Herne Bay yesterday, after a large number of households were left without any supply.

The first mains pipe burst at about 2pm on Saturday, in Reculver Road.

South East Water managed to fix the problem, before a second pipe burst around 200 yards away at 10.30pm the same day.

But technicians worked around the clock to resolve the issue, and this morning the company's website says: "Good news. Our team on site has now completed two more repairs to the water main and you should now see your taps flowing as normal.

"We will however be continuing to monitor the area due to issues over the weekend.

"Once again, we're really sorry about the disruption and would like to thank you for your patience and understanding."

Despite the inconvenience caused by the shortage, South East Water has received widespread praise for its handling of the situation, and many residents have thanked staff who worked overnight to fix the issues.

At least three bursts were repaired in total, while it is thought a leak in Rowland Crescent is still being investigated.

In a message sent to customers yesterday, the company said special procedures had been put in place to protect its key workers, as it urged members of the public to observe social distancing rules if they spotted technicians at work.

Emergency supplies of bottled water were dispatched to Herne Bay yesterday. Crowds of people, some of whom were without water for more than 24 hours, were pictured collecting the delivery.

South East Water says residents should not be alarmed if water appears brown when it first runs today.

"Please don't worry as it is not harmful," says the firm on its website. "This happens when small particles of iron within the mains are disturbed.

"Your water may also appear cloudy, or white. If you fill a glass of water and it clears from the bottom upwards then this means your water is just a little more aerated than usual. Simply run the water from your cold kitchen tap until the water is clear."

Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay