THE last of 1,900 homes in the region that have been without gas since last Wednesday, had their supply resumed yesterday.

Transco engineers have been working round the clock to trace the fault and reconnect supplies to families in the Crossgates, Seamer and Irton areas near Scarborough in North Yorkshire.

The fault was found to be a blocked drain in Station Road, Crossgates, said Transco, which brought in staff from all parts of the North to tackle the breakdown.

The company is to pay compensation to householders.

An emergency reception centre was set up at Bell Close Community Centre, Seamer, manned by Scarborough Borough Council housing department officers, and NorthYorkshire County Council social service staff.

County Council chief executive Jeremy Walker said "Many families have already benefited from the centre. Our main aim is to look after the welfare of people in the area especially the elderly".

Coun Richard Creasey, who represents the area on Scarborough council, said "There are a lot of elderly people and it is obviously very unpleasant for them without heat, hot water and cooking facilities".

Hundreds of fan heaters and hotplates have been provided by Transco to families to help them cope with the crisis.