North-west begins digital switch

Elderly and disabled people are being offered help to switch to digital

Seven million people in the north-west of England are having their analogue BBC Two signal switched off.

Terrestrial television will be off air for some viewers in the Granada TV area until the digital switchover is completed by late afternoon.

Once services are back on air, viewers of Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV will need to retune their equipment.

The four remaining analogue channels - BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five - will be switched off on 2 December.

More than 30 advice points are offering face-to-face support across the region during the switchover, which began in the early hours of Wednesday.

Roadshows will be also be running in Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and Preston.

Jo Waters, regional manager for Digital UK, said: "Almost half a million viewers in the north-west will be able to get digital TV through their aerial for the first time on Wednesday.

"But even if you've had Freeview for a while, remember to retune your TVs and boxes when the signal comes back on."

The eve of the switchover was marked on Tuesday with a light and sound display on the history of television in Manchester city centre.

Anyone in need of assistance with the digital switchover should contact the Digital UK helpline on 08456 505050.

There is a dedicated phone number for disabled people and those aged over 75 who need assistance - it is the BBC Switchover Help Scheme on 0800 408 7654.