Almost 1,500 properties in an area of north Cumbria have been hit by a huge power cut.

Electricity North West say the problem, affecting an area to the east of Penrith, was reported shortly before 8am.

Power might not be restored until 7pm, they add.

In total 1,423 properties are without electricity in places like Kirkby Thore, Long Marton and Appleby. The CA10 and CA16 postcodes are affected.

* Engineers managed to restore all but 25 properties by 10.20am and they now estimate that all power should be back on by 12.30pm.