Storm leaves hundreds in the dark

Hundreds of people in the East Midlands were left without power after heavy rain and strong winds overnight.

Around 500 customers in Boston and Reepham in Lincolnshire were affected by power cuts.

Central Networks said there had been lots of small faults in areas throughout the county, including Spilsby and Fiskerton.

There are also reports of flooding in the Sleaford area with water three feet deep in Pickworth village.

In Derbyshire, it was estimated more than 1,000 homes and businesses were without power.

Spokesperson for Central Networks, Jonathan Smith, said the power cuts were due to a combination of wind, rain and damage caused by trees in full leaf.

As worked continued during Thursday to repair faults, hundreds more properties lost power due to lightening strikes.