A projected rise in electric cars and heat pumps has inspired work by utility firm Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to boost power for more than 3,000 Wootton residents.

With a population of more than 140,000, the Isle of Wight is forecast to have as many as 23,554 electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints by the end of 2030 and nearly 50,000 by 2050.

The number of heat pumps are expected to rise to 19,036 here, by 2030.

A £1 million upgrade has included the refurbishment of two 132kv transformers on the Wootton Common section of the Ryde network.

Two 33kv circuit breakers have been replaced.

A defunct oil storage tank has been sorted out and items have been cleared from the site.

SSEN’s Project Manager, Tim Eccleston said: "The completion of this project provides a more resilient power supply for over 3,400 customers living and working locally...[and is] fit for the future, as our customers look to meet their net zero goals.

"I’d like to thank residents and businesses owners in Wootton Common - and the wider area of Ryde - for their patience while we carried out this programme of works."