Australia wilts in its Big Dry

Australia has had one of its warmest Aprils on record, opting for sun block and air conditioning, rather than autumn woollies and heaters.

It has not only been warm, it has also been very dry. Only once before since 1910 has Australia had so little rain in the period from January to April.

As a result, much of the country is in the grip of an unyielding drought, with an increasing number of farmers receiving emergency government aid.