SOME homes in Bishop Auckland lost power for almost eight hours on New Year's Eve after a problem with underground electricity supply.

Northern Electric (NEDL) sent engineers to the scene after power cut off at about 3pm. The site had to be excavated and power was finally returned at 10.50pm. About 30 homes were affected.

People in Heighington village were also affected by power cuts for two-and-a-half hours from about 1pm after a problem with a pole transformer.

NEDL apologised to its customers for any inconvenience caused.