THE final phase of the digital revolution swept across Cumbria this week –marking the end of an era in broadcasting history.

Yesterday (Wednesday), Border Television viewers woke up to a new digital dawn, with the remaining analogue channels switched off and replaced with new digital services. John Askew, Digital UK’s Border regional manager, said the technical transition had gone well, adding: “People in Cumbria have responded really well in adapting to the change and preparing in good time.”

The changes complete the switchover process, which started on June 24, and have enabled many households in the region to access channels, such as E4, ITV 2 and even Channel 5, for the very first time. In order to view the channels, viewers had to retune their digital TVs and set top boxes, but Terry Williams, community officer at Age Concern South Lakeland, said many older people had struggled the second time around. He said more than 20 people had contacted the charity for advice following the transition, adding: “It seems to have been a bit more complicated than people envisaged.