Around 1,500 properties in Steeton are without gas after high winds damaged supply equipment.

The roof was blown off a kiosk in Thornhill Road, Steeton, this morning and the device inside, known as a gas governor, damaged.

The system automatically shut down to stop gas escaping.

Northern Gas Networks has set up a customer drop-in centre at the Sailors and Soldiers Club in High Street, where heaters and hot plates are available for collection.

Company spokeswoman Gwen Allen said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and reassure customers that teams of engineers are on site assessing the situation and working hard to get things back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.

“Once a repair is complete, engineers will need to visit all affected properties twice - once to turn the gas off and then again to carry out important safety checks before restoring supplies to individual properties. This process takes some time but is essential - it is vital that people do not try to turn the gas back on themselves.”

Anyone with concerns can contact the firm’s customer services department on 0191 5116940.

Customers are advised to check the identity of anybody purporting to be from the gas company and seeking access to their home. Official gas engineers carry identity cards.