As the West Country starts to switch off old analogue TV signals and enters a new digital age from Wednesday, April 8, the UK s leading digital TV service, Freeview gives locals some friendly advice – there s no need to pay monthly bills to watch the most popular digital TV channels

As the West Country starts to switch off old analogue TV signals and enters a new digital age from Wednesday, April 8, the UK's leading digital TV service, Freeview gives locals some friendly advice - there's no need to pay monthly bills to watch the most popular digital TV channels.

In addition to receiving the best quality, subscription free channels, buying a Freeview box from as little as �14.99, or a Freeview+ digital TV recorder from �80, which could cost viewers up to �200 less a year compared to other subscription TV services.

After switchover, 98% of homes will receive Freeview including the most popular digital channels - BBC Four, More4, Cbeebies, ITV3 and ITV2 as well as a variety of digital radio stations, and interactive services. There's something for everyone to watch - settle in for a season of documentaries, comedy, arts and drama on BBC Four, keep up to date on current affairs with BBC News, or savor classic Agatha Christie's Marple on ITV3.

Freeview out and about in the West Country:

Popular TV personality Keith Chegwin will be hosting Freeview's VCR Swap Shop in Exeter's Guildhall Shopping centre at midday on Friday 20th March where the first 100 people will be able to swap their old VCR for a new Sony RDRHXD790 Freeview+ box worth over �200. The sleek-looking box can record over 340 hours of TV programmes.

From Thursday April, 2 to Friday, May 22, Freeview will also be visiting 12 West Country locations, including Torquay, Exeter and Paignton, with its 'Freeview Lounge'. Here, locals can see what Freeview channels are available, and try out the smart features Freeview+ has to offer such as pausing live TV or recording an entire series. Visitors to the lounge can also put questions to the Freeview team and get help doing a coverage check for their home.

On Wednesday, April 8, the start of the Beacon Hill switch, Freeview will be back in the West Country with Keith Chegwin, who will be on hand to give last minute advice on choosing the simplest and most cost-effective option for digital TV. As well as visiting local residents Keith will also be calling in at the Freeview lounge in Paignton town centre.

Rob Farmer, Director of Marketing Communications at Freeview says, "The switch to digital TV is a significant milestone for the West Country. The VCR Swap Shop and Freeview Lounge tour will give West Country residents the chance to find out more about Freeview and Freeview+ and to see for themselves how simple it is to set-up and use. Freeview is the UK's most popular digital TV service with millions of homes already enjoying great quality digital TV with no monthly bills. We look forward to being out and about with Cheggers to show people how Freeview is the cheapest and easiest option for Switchover."

Setting up Freeview in the home doesn't require an engineer. Once you've bought your Freeview or Freeview+ box, simply plug it into your existing TV and rooftop aerial, turn it on and that's it. Alternatively, there are plenty of digital TVs to choose from with Freeview already built in.

Freeview has also been chosen as the Switchover Help Scheme's standard offer of help for eligible older and disabled people in the West Country.