Yorkshire Water, Northumbrian Water, Northern Gas, and Northern Powergrid said the plans aimed to tackle future changes in population and climate.

BBC: Generic water works

Northern Powergrid said supply was restored in Ponteland and Prudhoe by mid-afternoon.

BBC: North East schools closed again due to snow

Northern Powergrid's chief executive Phil Jones said the investment was to "prepare the UK's electricity networks for the move to smarter power grids needed for a long-term low carbon future".

BBC: Generic water works