STAFF from the Manx Electricity Authority who helped Scottish Power restore electricity supplies to homes in Scotland have returned to the Isle of Man.

Five overhead linesmen, and their vehicles, left the Island on January 5 after a call for assistance from the Scottish power company.

Around 17,000 homes had been left without power after gale force storms in the area.

The team from the Isle of Man started work in Cleghorn in South Lanarkshire on Friday, January 6, before moving on to Kilmarnock, Largs and Troon.

A spokesperson for the Manx Electricity Authority (MEA) said: "The work involved long hours working late at night in unfamiliar territory. But as a result of the full effort put in by all those involved, including the MEA team, the majority of supplies were restored to homes by late Saturday night at which time support teams were stood down."

MEA Chairman Eddie Lowey MLC said: "I have received a letter from Scottish Power Energy Networks thanking us for the support provided by our team who travelled to Scotland.

"It is reassuring to know that should the MEA be the one to make the call a call for help would be reciprocated.

"I must place my particular thanks with the team who did all the work and volunteered their services."

Also see: MEA workers to help restore power in Scottish homes.