Tribute has been paid to engineers who went to the aid of Riddlesden residents after a tree brought down a power line.

Sixteen properties were left without power following the incident during storms last Wednesday evening.

Those affected were in the Elamwood Road and Howden Rough area.

Christine Sharp, who lives in Elamwood Road with her husband, Alan, said the electricity suddenly went off shortly after 7pm.

“Unfortunately, because of where we live, we don’t have any gas and our water is pumped up from a bore hole, so we were left without anything – just candles!” she said.

“The engineers arrived at 9.30am the following morning, and within a couple of hours, power was restored.

“I would like to say a big thank-you to these brave men who tackled this arduous task in such difficult conditions. They are worth their weight in gold.”

Northern Powergrid said during that night alone, about 60,000 properties across the North East and Yorkshire lost power.