HOUSEHOLDS in north Dorset and south Somerset contended with power cuts over the weekend – likely caused by a lightning strike.

Residents said they experienced intermittent power cuts lasting less than a minute each time in the Henstridge, Templecombe and Milborne Port areas last Friday (September 19) and Saturday.

A National Grid helicopter was also spotted, which Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said was deployed to check the network for damages.

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A spokesperson said: “Our regular helicopter inspections, which are conducted to assess the condition of the network from above, identified damage to the overhead network.

“It’s likely this was due to a lightning strike. Interim repairs to restore supplies were carried out as safely and as quickly as possible, and we thank those customers affected for their patience while we undertook this work.”