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Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is carrying out helicopter patrols across parts of Bristol, Gloucestershire and the West Midlands as part of its network inspection work.

The patrols will be carried out across the county by a helicopter which is used to spot potential hazards on the overhead power network and to highlight areas where future work may be needed.

Jim O'Sullivan, Director of Infrastructure Services at Central Networks, said: "Using a helicopter patrol is the safest, fastest and most effective way to carry out checks on large sections of the network.

"Taking a bird's eye view of the network enables us to check large areas quickly. We're able to spot potential hazards early so that we can plan our investment and maintenance work more effectively, and do any necessary work before it causes problems for our customers."

Exact times and locations will be based on local weather conditions in order to make the best use of time available. Flights begin on Monday 6th July over the following areas:

July 6th to July 31st

Congleton, Market Drayton, Newport.

August 3rd to August 28th

Telford, Newport, Droitwich, Ledbury.

September 1st to October 2nd

Bridgnorth, Kidderminster, Droitwich, Stroud.

August 17th to October 19th

Stroud, Thornbury, North Bristol.

The helicopter patrols will be on the look-out for potential dangers such as trees growing into overhead lines, which can cause problems in stormy weather, farming or other safety dangers as well as engineering problems such as faulty or damaged equipment..

Central Networks, which is part of E.ON UK, carries out helicopter patrols across the East and West Midlands every year in the summer.

In addition to 48,000km of overhead cable Central Networks, the company also owns and operates over 84,000km of underground cabling.