Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is carrying out helicopter patrols across the West Midlands next month, doing its own digital detective work as part of its network inspections.

The patrols will be carried out by a helicopter equipped with a high-resolution digital camera which will be used to spot potential hazards and to highlight areas where future work may be needed to pylons and poles on the overhead electricity network.

The quality of the photographs taken is so high that engineers can zoom in to every nut and bolt, without losing any image quality, and the condition of the tower can be assessed with great accuracy.

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The flights begin on 1 June and should take until the end of the month.

Jim O'Sullivan, Director of Infrastructure Services at Central Networks, said: "We're responsible for around 48,000km of overhead cabling across the Midlands and using a helicopter patrol is the safest, fastest and most effective way to carry out checks on large sections of the network.

"This new technology aids the work we already do examining our substations and overhead lines. We're able to spot potential hazards early so that we can plan our investment and maintenance work more effectively, and do any necessary work before it causes problems for our customers.

"We pride ourselves on our commitment to our customers, and these patrols form part of our efforts to continually improve the standard of service they receive."

(CD/JM)