OXFORDSHIRE viewers are being warned there are only a few days until their old analogue television signal is switched off.

The county transmitter in Beckley, which covers about 400,000 homes, is to stop transmitting analogue this month and will only transmit digital signals.

The BBC2 analogue signal will be the first to go on Wednesday, with the remaining four terrestrial channels turned off two weeks later on Wednesday, September 28.

It means anyone with a non-digital television and using a conventional outdoor aerial will need a Freeview box. They cost from £15 upwards.

Viewers who currently watch their programmes through services such as Sky or Virgin will not be affected.

However those already with digital television will also have to retune their sets.

However help is at hand.

Digital UK, the organisation leading the process, expects to help more than 10,000 vulnerable people in Oxfordshire make the transition.

It is delivering leaflets to every household.

Digital UK’s regional manager Peter Monteith said “There is a very extensive communications campaign to make sure people know this is happening.

“The vast majority of people get through this process without any help but there is lots of help available for anyone who needs it.”

The Help Scheme is available to those 75 or over, those who have lived in a care home for at least six months, those who receive some disability benefits, or those who are registered blind or partially blind.

The service, which usually costs £40 but is free to some, involves the installation of a new digital box or aerial in your home.

Regional manager for the Switchover Help Scheme Ed Jezard, said: “People will struggle for different reasons. People may struggle if they have learning difficulties or dementia.

“We go into the home and install all the equipment necessary to turn a television digital. And we spend time in the home with the person to explain how the new equipment works.

“We want to make sure no one is left behind with the switchover.”

Mr Jezard said installers will only visit once someone has applied for the Help Scheme and the visit has been confirmed in writing.

He said: “We do not call unannounced.”

Installers will wear a uniform, carry identification, and use a password scheme. Pensioners across Oxfordshire are already getting to grips with it.

Dorothy Chamberlain, 84, of Woodfarm Road, Headington, said: “I paid £40 to have a digital box brought in and fitted. It was a service advertised for older people.”

Jane Haynes, 89, from Woodstock, said she was concerned her television would stop working.

She said: “I am very worried because it is literally my life.

“The first thing I do in the morning is put the television on to see what time it is.”

Tony Berridge, 66, of Horspath, said: “I’ve never been afraid of technology. I think most people over 60 have had to become more technical.”

More than 40 per cent of the country has been switched to digital and it is expected the programme will be completed by the end of next year.

Digital television is a more efficient use of the airways and offers better quality and more channels.

In place of four or five channels it will be possible to broadcast 40. It will bring free-to-air digital television to virtually everyone.

Wantage and Didcot MP and culture minister Ed Vaizey said: “Digital switchover has gone remarkably smoothly throughout the country.

“It has come in well below estimated costs. It will mean a better TV service for many people, and also free up valuable airwaves which can be used for mobile phones, which will also help many people as more and more of us use smartphones.”

Viewers can call the Digital UK advice line on 08456 505050 or visit digitaluk.co.uk For details on the help scheme, visit helpscheme.co.uk or call 0800 4085900.