Electricity distributor Northern Powergrid has apologised to pensioners after they were left without power for 13 hours over two days.

Thirty-nine properties in Mapplewell were affected by power cuts between 1.30pm to 11pm on Tuesday and  5.30pm to 8pm on Wednesday.

Resident Linda Hunter, 64, of Wentworth Road, said the power cuts came during the coldest period of the week.

"It was absolutely ridiculous. We couldn't cook or even make a hot drink and were so cold we had to get under a duvet. We also had no warning."

The disrupted supply was due to a fault with an underground cable on Wentworth Road, said Northern Powergrid spokesman Roderick Stuart.

"We did a temporary repair on Tuesday but had to return to finish on Wednesday. We apologise to everyone affected."

As winter weather continues, Northern Powergrid and the British Red Cross have launched a partnership to protect vulnerable people during power cuts.

Anyone registered with the electricity distributor as potentially vulnerable, such as people who are electricity dependent, elderly or who have a medical condition, will be contacted by a British Red Cross volunteer by telephone if their power is off for more than three hours.

To join the Priority Services Register, customers can register at www.northernpowergrid.com or call freefone 0800 169 2996 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.