A Norfolk town, well-known for the giant wind turbine which dominates its skyline, will soon be home to a second model one mile away.

The new structure in Swaffham will be 85 metres tall, nearly 20 metres larger than the first turbine built in 1999 by Ecotricity.

The second will generate power for 1,250 homes, meeting 75% of the town's power needs.

The turbine, with 35-metre blades, is expected to be built early in 2003 and should be operating by Spring.

Tourist attraction

Most of the residents who were doubtful about the prospect of a giant turbine in 1999 when the first went up are now used to the idea.

More than 50,000 visitors have climbed 300 steps to a viewing platform to enjoy the view.

Ecotricity also built Swaffham's first wind turbine

Shipdham and Sedgeford in Norfolk and at Dagenham in Essex have also been proposed as sites for new wind farms.

The UK produces 40% of Europe's wind power, but has lagged behind in building wind farms to harness natural power.

In contrast, the Danish government has decreed that half its nation's power will come from windmills.