POWER has been restored to around 65,500 customers affected by Storm Desmond.

Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for running the power network across the North-East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, also mobilised its helicopter to support restoration work.

Since 7pm on Friday night the storm has caused power cuts for around 70,000 customers predominantly in Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear and the Yorkshire Dales.

The electricity distribution company has restored power to the majority of its customers and is currently working to restore power to the remaining 4,500 customers in Northumberland, County Durham and Tyne and Wear still affected.

With wind speeds now at a safe level for flying, Northern Powergrid has deployed its helicopter to carry out inspections to assess damage caused to overhead power lines by fallen trees and flying debris during the storm.

Access to some areas still remains challenging as a result of the heavy rain and flooding seen overnight.

Engineers and linesmen will be carrying out repairs throughout Sunday, and Northern Powergrid is aiming to restore all remaining customers by late tonight.

A spokeswoman said: “We have managed to successfully restore power for the majority of our customers who have been affected as a result of Storm Desmond damaging parts of our network.

“We remain focused on getting the lights back on as soon as possible for our customers who are currently still affected. We have mobilised our helicopter this morning, now it is safe to fly, as it is the fastest way to check large spans of our network and provide feedback to our engineers on the ground who are coordinating repairs.

“The conditions have been very challenging with around 36 hours of continuous storm force winds across the region. We thank our customers for their patience while our teams continue to work hard to restore power to those customers affected by the Storm Desmond.”

Northern Powergrid’s local 24-hour contact centre has additional customer advisors who are offering customers support and advice. Customers can also use their mobile to visit the company’s website, northernpowergrid.com, to report and get updates about power cuts.

Northern Powergrid’s Twitter - @northpowergrid - and Facebook pages are also providing regular updates and advice to customers and local communities.

"Northern Powergrid is continuing to closely monitoring the weather forecast and continues to have additional engineers and contact centre advisors ready to help keep the lights on for customers, repair damage and answer customer enquiries," said the spokeswoman.

"Customers with a disability, medical condition or very young families, who may need greater assistance during a power cut and have signed up to the company’s Priority Services Register, are being kept updated as a priority.

"Northern Powergrid has also deployed customer support vehicles to support local communities offering practical help and advice. Up-to-date locations of the vehicles are available on Northern Powergrid’s social media pages.

"Its partnership with the British Red Cross will also help provide additional care to customers on the register, if necessary. Customers who may be more vulnerable and wish to join the Priority Services Register can sign up online via Northern Powergrid’s website or call 0800 169 2996."

Northern Powergrid is warning local people who spot any damaged cables or equipment not to approach the area as equipment may still be live and pose a risk of electrocution.

Customers should immediately contact the company to report the damage on its 24-hour power cut enquiry numbers: • 0800 66 88 77 in the North East • 0800 375 675 in Yorkshire.