THE long-awaited switch-over to digital television will take place tomorrow.

The first analogue channel, BBC Two, will go digital shortly after midnight and some new digital channels will become available.

The second stage of the switch-over will take place two weeks later on Wednesday, May 20.

The remaining analogue channels BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five will be replaced in digital form along with more public-service TV, radio and text services.

On switchover days, all terrestrial TV services will be off air during the night and should be restored in most areas by morning.

In some areas served by relay transmitters, services will be off air until around noon.

At this point, Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV boxes will require re-tuning.

Digital UK, the independent body in charge of the process, is working with two Dorset advice points on switchover days to give extra advice to those that need it.

Chancery House Day Care Centre, Chancery Lane, Bridport and Pilgrim House, 1 Hope Street, Weymouth will be open on Wednesday, May 6, Thursday May 7, Wednesday, May 20, and Thursday, May 21, from 11am until 6pm.

To find out more call 08456 50 50 50 or visit digitaluk.co.uk.

Last month, the digital television roadshow visited Weymouth to make sure residents are fully prepared for the big switchover.

Help and advice was on hand for people who are baffled by the changes, which will start taking effect from tomorrow.

The Westcountry is the first major region to go digital, through the Stockland Hill transmitter, although parts of Portland supplied by Rowridge will not switch over until 2011/12.

To check which transmitter serves your home, a postcode checker and other information is available online at www.digitaluk.co.uk or by calling 0845 454 0015.