FREEVIEW television viewers in the region may need to re-tune their equipment on November 13 to continue watching programmes.

Some channels in County Durham and Tyne and Wear are moving to new airwaves to allow for the future development of new mobile broadband services.

Transmitters are being updated region by region as part of a major engineering programme.

Engineering work at the Pontop Pike main transmitter group, between Consett and Stanley, will begin shortly after midnight and Freeview channels will be off-air overnight until 6am.

After this, any viewers receiving their TV signal from the transmitter who find they are missing channels can re-tune.

Services from smaller local relays may be subject to disruption until late afternoon.

Some older aerials may need to be replaced to continue receiving all channels. Viewers may be eligible for free in-home support, including aerial work if needed.

Satellite and cable TV is not affected.