More than 1,400 households and businesses in Bovey Tracey were left without power on Wednesday night after an explosion in a sub-station.

Fire crews from the town were joined by others from Moretonhampstead and Chagford to tackle the fire that resulted from the incident which happened at 11pm in Bradley Road.

Engineers from Western Power Distribution were drafted in to isolate the the electricity supply and make the scene safe while the firefighters got on with their job.

A spokesman for the power firm said a switch in the sub-station had failed and that 1,466 customers had been affected.

More than 1,200 had their power restored within an hour and the remaining 225 by 2.30am yesterday.

Further engineering works were due to continue at the plant but the spokesman said power supplies should not be interrupted further.