A MAJOR power cut hit homes and businesses in the centre of Brighouse for five hours.

Power was cut off at 2.10 yesterday afternoon - and at the same time smoke poured from a manhole cover in Park Street.

Firefighters quickly traced the problem to a faulty junction box under the road.

They evacuated the area and stood by until Yorkshire Electricity staff turned off the power.

Electricity was cut off in Park Street, Market Street, Bethel Street and West Park Street.

The power was reconnected at 7.30, and repairs were then made to the junction box.

A Yorkshire Electricity spokeswoman said: "This affected up to 50 customers in all. "The main priority was to restore the supply, and we re-routed supplies to get power back on in the area as soon as possible.

"Then we turned our attention to the faulty box and repaired it."