Power restored after lightning

Lightening strikes initially left over 100,000 houses without power

Electricity has been restored to most of the properties affected after more than 500 lightning strikes hit the north-east of England.

Northern Electric Distribution Limited (NEDL) engineers worked through the night and Thursday following storms on Wednesday evening.

NEDL says it restored power to 94,000 houses by 2200 BST on Wednesday.

The company said by 1630 BST on Thursday, power had been restored to all but just over 200 customers.

Some of the lightning strikes hit the overhead line network and damaged equipment.

Helicopter deployed

A company spokesman said: "Although the storms hampered the restoration work, our engineers and emergency repair teams are committed to restore remaining power supplies.

"Our priority is to restore power to these customers this morning.

"We have cancelled pre-planned works and our staff are concentrating on restoring power to our customers still affected."

The company said it was using a helicopter to fly the routes of the damaged overhead lines.

It is also urging any customers who are still without power to check their trip switch first and then to report the loss of electricity supply or any damage to the customer helpline on 0800 66 88 77.