THE DIGITAL switchover roadshow will be arriving in Ilfracombe later this month.

A clinic offering advice on the switchover will be followed by a public meeting at the Ilfracombe Centre on Friday, February 27.

There are just four months to go until the Huntshaw Cross transmitter group, which serves most of North Devon, switches over to digital television on Wednesday, July 1.

Already, more than 30 public meetings and advice clinics have taken place across North Devon, organised by Digital UK.

Bill Taylor, South West regional manager for Digital UK, said: "Historically North Devon has been a difficult landscape for television broadcasting, however, when the power of the digital television signals from Huntshaw Cross is increased very significantly at switchover, many households will receive better picture quality and sound, as well as a much wider choice in channels."

He added: "Digital UK has carried out a great deal of community work in North Devon – to date, nearly thirty public meetings in local villages including West Down and Combe Martin. We will also be presenting in Berrynarbor in mid-April."

During April, the digital switchover road show will also visit Barnstaple, Westward Ho!, Bideford, Appledore, Braunton and Ilfracombe. More information on dates and venues will be released shortly by Digital UK.

Over the past few weeks, every home in North Devon has been sent a detailed guide to switchover by Digital UK. Everyone watching analogue television from the Huntshaw Cross transmitter group will also see regular captions on the screen confirming when they switch and where to go for help.

The Switchover Help Scheme is already contacting older and disabled people in North Devon to offer direct support. Age Concern is working with charities and voluntary groups throughout the region to provide information and support to vulnerable people who do not qualify for the Help Scheme.

The Ilfracombe advice clinic will run from 11am to 6pm. This will be followed by a public meeting at 6.30pm to discuss the main issues.

Anyone unable to attend the clinic or public meeting in Ilfracombe can get advice from Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50 or at digitaluk.co.uk.