The final stage of digital TV switchover in North Devon is set to finish today.

All terrestrial TV signals were turned off shortly after midnight in preparation for the complete switchover to digital for all households servec by the Huntshaw Cross transmitter.

Analogue services will remain switched off permanently, allowing Freeview channels to be broadcast from 14 local relay transmitters serving areas such as Barnstaple, Braunton and Westwood Ho! for the first time.

The transition is expected to be completed by late afternoon.

All Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV equipment should be retuned in order to receive all the channels available.

Switching off the analogue signal makes it possible to extend the level of Freeview coverage to reach 96 per cent of households in the West Country TV region.

Viewers receiving their signal from relay transmitters will see the number of TV channels available free via an aerial increase from four to about 20.

Digital TVs or analogue sets converted with a digital box will be able to receive BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five, plus additional digital channels such as BBC Three, BBC Four, BBC News, ITV2, ITV3, E4, More 4 and digital text and radio services.

Bill Taylor, Digital UK's South West regional manager, said: "I'm pleased to report that the technical transition went according to plan and, from today, many more viewers will be able to receive digital TV free via an aerial.

"People in North Devon have responded really well in adapting to the change and preparing in good time."

For more information visit the Digital UK website or call the helpline on 08456 50 50 50.

Older and disabled people can still apply for help with converting one television.

Help Scheme engineers will be working in the area over the switchover period to help with retuning and viewers can contact the Help Scheme on 0800 40 85 902.