Cumbria homes hit by power cuts after lines damaged

Drones will be used in the affected areas when conditions allow to help prioritise repairs

Thousands have been left without electricity after tree branches and debris damaged overhead power lines.

Some 9,500 properties across Cumbria, Lancashire and the Peak District were affected on Thursday as Storm Pia brought high winds to the region.

Electricity North West said power had been restored to more than 6,700 homes and work continued to bring electricity back for the remaining 2,800.

It added that drones would be used in the affected areas to help assess damage and prioritise repairs.

In some areas the high winds had made it unsafe for lines teams to climb and make repairs.

The company said its contact centre had handled as many as 700 calls and more than 20 individual damages to the network had been reported.

Samantha Loukes, Electricity North West’s incident manager, said: "We are well prepared and, having already made substantial progress this morning, teams remain on site carrying out repairs where trees and branches have damaged overhead lines."

She added: "It can be incredibly difficult to be without power, especially if you rely on it for medical equipment or have other needs, so if you need any additional support please contact us and let us know."

Homes in South Lakeland, including Windemere, have been affected with Electricity North West saying on its website that it estimated power would be restored by 22:00 GMT on Thursday.