Isles of Scilly reliant on generator after electricity failure

Around 2,500 people are relying on generators to power their homes and provide electricity on the Isles of Scilly after an undersea power cable failed.

Islanders were plunged into darkness on Monday 27 February when the single 33,000 volt cable, which runs on the sea bed and connects to the mainland went down.

Emergency generators kicked in within minutes, and Western Power Distribution identified a fault 17km from Land's End.

Western Power Distribution say there's enough fuel indefinitely, as fuel is taken to the island by boat twice a week. They have also put on 24 hour man-cover on the island making sure there are no extra problems.

A specialist ship is hoped to travel from Portland next week to carry out the repairs.

But the work could take a further 10 days - leaving islanders replying on generators for over two weeks.