Whitehaven wins digital roll out

Analogue television will be switched off in Whitehaven in 2007

The Cumbrian town of Whitehaven will lead out the UK's switchover to digital, the government has announced.

Broadcasting Minister Shaun Woodward and Industry Minister Margaret Hodge said analogue television signals will be switched off in autumn 2007.

The move will herald the country's switchover to digital TV, which is due to be complete by 2012.

Residents will get an extra TV and radio channel through their aerials - as long as they buy a set-top digibox.

The government has pledged help for older and disabled people.

Shaun Woodward said: "The people of Whitehaven will lead the rest of the UK into the digital future.

Exciting changes

"They will be the first to experience the enormous benefit from digital switchover as it will happen across the UK."

Minister for Industry and the Regions Margaret Hodge said: "Whitehaven will be a great opportunity to prove that we can give people all the information that they need to switch their TV equipment easily."

Ford Ennals, chief executive of Digital UK, who will co-ordinate the switchover, said: "This announcement puts Whitehaven at the forefront of the most exciting change to television for a generation.

"Digital UK's job is to make sure everyone knows how to prepare for the change and that no one is left behind.

"In the coming months, we will be working closely with many different organisations in Whitehaven to ensure everyone is prepared for switchover and the benefits it will bring."

The BBC's channels, ITV1, Channel 4 - S4C in Wales - and Five are among those due to reach 98.5% of the UK by 2012.

Some 18 million homes now watch some form of digital television.