CHANCELLOR of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak admitted people across the North East stranded and without power after Storm Arwen would be "worried, fed up and angry".

But he said 97 per cent of people have already had their power restored - and most others should get it back within days.

He told The Northern Echo: "My enormous sympathies to everyone impacted by this.P eople are working incredibly hard to deal with it, and while that is good news I know it will be cold comfort to those still without power.

Read more: Major incident declared in County Durham due to widespread power cuts

"But they should be reassured that everyone is working round the clock to make it happen.

"The update I have - although obviously I'm not on the ground - is that that should largely be done by the end of this week, when power will  be restored to most places.

"Ministers are on the ground working with the energy companies as we speak and I know there is support being provided whether that is food or other welfare support."

The Chancellor was visiting Yarm, to discuss the planned renovation of the listed 18th Century Town Hall. He also went on a walkabout up the High Street, meeting residents  and businesses.

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