A Cheshire East councillor who lives in Wheelock masterminded an operation to help local residents after homes in the area were plunged into darkness due to a power cut.

Cllr Laura Crane, councillor for the Ettiley Heath and Wheelock ward, was away at a conference on Saturday when it happened but she still managed to co-ordinate a strategy to help people out from afar.

She said: "Our power was out for about four hours so hardly anything compared to some I've heard about but I'm so glad to say that the community rallied round.

"People were checking on elderly neighbours and offering candles and blankets to those in need.

"I arranged for the Cheshire Cheese to allow people to charge their phones and warm up if needed but thankfully the power came back on before I needed to share that information widely."

Cllr Crane said she knows of one house which had no power until late yesterday (Sunday).

She said: "I am helping them to get some money back for all the food they lost when their fridge and freezer were off but they were able to stay with family so weren't left to shiver at home."

"If anyone is aware of anyone else who still has outstanding issues from the power outage then do encourage them to get in touch with me."