Ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is encouraging customers to 'think before they dig', if they're working in the garden or on outdoor DIY projects.

Striking an underground electricity cable can have serious, if not potentially fatal, consequences and SSEN is hoping that its annual awareness campaign - combined with readily available information on its website - will help keep people safe before they start digging.

As gardening and DIY projects increase through the springtime, so too can safety incidents where underground cables were struck by members of the public. Each year, around 70 people across the UK suffer life changing injuries as a result of accidentally striking underground cables.

SSEN is aware that most of its customers will be gardening on a smaller scale, but deeper excavations for tree roots, fence post replacements, footpath widening, or patio laying require safety checks to be carried out before any works are started.

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Ahead of any significant works, the distribution network operator is encouraging people to think carefully about their projects, referring to guidance on its safety website.

Peter Vujanic, Head of Safety, Health and Environment at SSEN Distribution, said: "The safety of our customers and communities is our top priority and we're keen to raise awareness of the potential dangers lying beneath the soil in our gardens this Spring. The message behind this campaign is simple – think before you dig.

"If you're working in the garden or planning any property maintenance or DIY that might bring you close to our underground cables, please visit our website for guidance, book an underground cable assessment or call us for some free and helpful safety advice from our dedicated teams."

For safety information or to book a free underground cable assessment, visit SSEN's safety webpages. Customers can also use the free-to-call 105 number to request guidance on any works they are undertaking, or to report any issues they see on the network ahead of planned works.

Additionally, customers can request a free underground cable assessment by visiting Underground Cable Assessment - SSEN.