AN OFF-ON power failure affected some homes over three days after an isolated transformer in the Weald of Kent developed a fault.

Supplies to 370 customers in Paddock Wood, Marden, Collier Street and Yalding were interrupted at about 3pm on Monday but were restored two hours later.

Some homes lost power again later that evening following a second low voltage fault. They were re-connected in stages throughout the early hours of Tuesday.

But 40 homes in the Collier Street area had to make do with candles until 1.30am on Wednesday morning.

Seeboard spokesman Brian Philips said: "The problem proved particularly difficult to trace as the transformer is an enclosed unit and an intermittent fault cannot be seen."

Trees had to be cut down to allow workmen to get to the faulty transformer.

Meanwhile, visitors to the Woolpack Pub in Benover Road, Yalding, thought they had travelled back in time, as staff served drinks by candlelight and were unable to offer food.