An engineer struggled for two hours in snow and ice to reach homes in a tiny hamlet without electricity.

The workman had battled to drive to Charing Heath after 258 households were cut off in the early hours of Sunday.

A total 92 remained without power for at least 12 hours.

An EDF Energy spokesman said: "Because of the poor local weather and road conditions it took him two hours to get there.

"His vehicle got stuck because of the treacherous road conditions."

A total 258 homes at Hurst Lane, Tile Lodge Road and Cherry Tree Road lost power at 2.40am although 39 had it restored at 4.20am.

Power then tripped at 5.08am to customers but was restored to all but 92 by 5.50am.

EDF explains that this was done remotely by re-routing supplies, which is not possible for everyone affected.

More staff arrived at 9.30am and the fault was found.

Engineers, joiners and linesmen this afternoon continued to restore power.