The digital switchover also spells the end for BBC Ceefax, the world's first teletext service, after nearly four decades.

BBC: Northern Ireland completes UK digital TV switchover

The founding editor of the BBC's Ceefax service - the world's first teletext service - has died at the age of 85.

BBC: Ceefax founding editor Colin McIntyre dies at 85

The technology for the world's first teletext service was developed by BBC engineers who were trying to find ways of providing subtitles on TV programmes for the deaf, rather than produce a news service.

BBC: Ceefax founding editor Colin McIntyre dies at 85

As viewers got a small taste of what Ceefax had to offer, millions of Britons during the 1980s invested in new teletext-enabled TV sets which gave them access to the full Ceefax service, which by now included recipe details for dishes prepared on BBC cookery shows, share prices, music reviews and an annual advent calendar.

BBC: Ceefax service closes down after 38 years on