Vulnerable people across the north will be given more help during power blackouts thanks to a £400,000 donation to the British Red Cross (BRC).
Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution (SSEPD) has freed up the money to fund a new emergency response vehicle and train up volunteers to help when the power goes out.
The money will build on the word already done by BRC to make sure vulnerable people are kept safe and calm while their heat, light and water fails.
Simon Lewis, head of emergency response at BRC said: “The Red Cross is often amongst the first to respond to emergency situations around the UK, and acts as an auxiliary to the emergency services.
“We support people forced to leave their homes, or stuck without water or power, helping to make sure stressful situations are easier to cope with.
“SSEPD’s support is vital to ensure we are able to expand our emergency response work and help more people at times of crisis.”
Stuart Hogarth, the SSEPD’s director of distribution, said: “Our company’s priority is to keep the lights on for our customers, but we recognise that we also have a responsiblity to make sure they are safe and well on the rare occasions that the power does go out.