The last analogue TV channels in Medway have been switched off for good today, signalling the dawn of an all-digital era.

Analogue BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night at the Bluebell Hill transmitter group, enabling extra channels to be broadcast from two local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.

The first homes in Medway switch to digital in April, in the Rochester and Borstal area. Earlier this month the rest of the Towns lost BBC Two on analogue in the first stage of their switchover.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.

Viewers in some areas may also find their digital TVs or boxes load more than one regional service. Advice on prioritising the preferred regional service is available from Digital UK.

Digital UK, which has co-ordinated the switch, and the Switchover Help Scheme are today running advice points and roadshows to provide support for viewers who need it.

The Help Scheme is still open to applications from older and disabled viewers who may qualify for help including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare.

Tony Gray, Digital UK’s assistant regional manager, said: "Switchover is now complete across the south east of England. People have responded positively to the change, and hundreds of thousands of viewers can now receive Freeview for the first time."

The Switchover Help Scheme remains open to applications until July 27, 2012.

Digital UK is providing support through local advice points, its website (digitaluk.co.uk) and an advice line (08456 50 50 50).

A switchover advice point has been set up in Chatham today (Wednesday). It is at the WRVS information centre, 95-97, High Street, Chatham.