A HELICOPTER is being brought in to check power lines.

Patrols by Yorkshire Electricity Distribution start this week and include the Huddersfield area.

Mark Drye, director of network services, said: "With more than 16,000 kilometres (10,000 miles) of overhead lines in Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire taking to the skies is the best way for us to check the network.

"It's vital we do this so we can gather information to pinpoint where any action is needed.

"It might be to replace or repair equipment or cut back vegetation growing into power lines."

The patrols are dependent on the weather, but the plan is to continue them for 10 weeks.

The plan is to fly over the power lines in South and West Yorkshire, to the west of the A1.

Mr Drye added: "The patrol will involve low flying, but the pilot will try to avoid areas populated with livestock.

"Once the observer has collected the information it will be passed to our engineers, so that we can start any necessary work before the winter and plan investment for next year."