HOMES across the North East were left without television and radio signals yesterday after a transmission station was on fire in the North York Moors. 

Black smoke could be seen billowing from the 314-meter high Bilsdale signal mast on moorland above Helmsley, North Yorkshire.

The mast primarily is among the most powerful in the UK and it transmits TV and radio signals to parts of North Yorkshire, Teesside and County Durham.

This prompted many readers to react to the news on social media. 

READ MORE: Millions still left without TV and radio after Bilsdale transmitter fire

One reader was worried about the elderly, he said: "What about all OAPs with no tv no radio no internet?" 

Peter E Hutchinson explained that: "If your TV aerial faces to the south you're on Bilsdale, if it faces westerly then you're on Pontop Pike."

Jonathan Chapman speculated that it was "probably made with Chinese components as they were the cheapest, can’t see it being repaired that quickly, not great for the elderly." 

Rose Collings said: "No signal on my TV in Newton Aycliffe." 

Sian Merron explained how her family kept themselves entertained last night stating: "(We) don't watch Freeview at night anyway we watch Disney or prime. It was the kids who missed out on CBeebies but they entertained themselves with trashing the house instead." 

Steve Twigg said: "(I) was out from 2:30 with friends until 11:30 wondered why (the) TV (was) not working, read a bit then went to bed. Amazing the number of people who can't cope without a TV! DL3 area, still no signal."

Many readers were thankful for Netflix, Jenny Prendergast said: "Thank goodness for Netflix and ITV hub!" 

READ MORE: When will my TV signal return after the Bilsdale TV mast fire?

Last night the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said that the fire had been extinguished. 

However, up to a million people have still been left without a TV signal this morning. Firefighters will be working today to bring the incident to a conclusion. 

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