A HELPLINE for the digital switchover in the North West received 17,000 calls — but the end of the anologue era is being hailed a success.

Analogue signals were switched off just after midnight on Wednesday in the final stage of digital TV switchover in the region.

Digital UK, which is co-ordinating the service's roll-out, received 17,000 calls on Wednesday morning from people experiencing problems with re-tuning.

Analogue services will remain switched off permanently, allowing Freeview channels to be broadcast from dozens of local relay transmitters for the first time.

Digital UK said people should re-tune their equipment such as Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV equipment, to ensure they receive all channels.

Viewers receiving their signal from relay transmitters will see the number of TV channels available free via an aerial increase from four to around 15, but they may not get all the free to air digital channels.

John Askew, Digital UK spokesman for the North West urged people to contact the organisation if they were having any problems.

He added: “They very major concern of people ringing up is that they have tried to re-tune their televisions and it just hasn’t worked.

“In the majority of cases we have talked them through it on the phone and it has been fine but on other occasions there is a fault with the equipment they are using in which case they need to speak to the manufacturer or call us for advice.”

Age Concern in Blackburn reported an influx of calls and visits from concerned residents at its switchover help point in Darwen Street.

Vicky Shepherd, manager of the charity for elderly people said: “People have also been worried that if they didn’t re-tune on Wednesday then they just wouldn’t be able to watch TV ever again which is not the case.

”It is starting to calm down now as people are getting used to it but if they are worried they can contact us and we will be happy to help them.”

For further advice, contact Digital UK, by visiting their website which is found at www.digitaluk.co.uk or contact the helpline on 0845 6505050.