Hard work by all involved has proved to be successful as engineers continue to work into the evening to switch on as many of the remaining properties as possible.

Advice is still for no one to attempt to turn on any gas appliances unless specificaly directed by a gas company engineer.

Many of the properties remaining are awaiting the return of residents who were not in when an engineer attended to switch on.

All agencies involved in the emergency throughout the work would like to express their thanks to all residents of Rothbury, in particular those affected by the loss in service, for their patient and upbeat approach to the problems faced during the week.

The Emergency Committee has been stood down from 6pm on Friday, February 6, and the remainder of the operation from a public service perspective has now been offically passed to Alnwick District Council.

The advice line previously available at Dr Thomlinson Middle School has also been stood down. Any resident requiring further information or assistance in relation to connection to the gas supply should contact 0191 511 6940.