Today (October 14) the Bystrup designed T-Pylon, which picks up £5000 prize money, was selected from an initial field of 250 entries to modernise the traditional pylon.

However, while the National Grid has said it will work on developing the T-Pylon further it has not guaranteed it will replace current pylons.

It also said it wants to do further work with Ian Ritchie Associates on their Silhouette design and New Town Studio’s Totem designs as well.

Energy secretary, Chris Huhne, said: “This is an innovative design which is simple, classical and practical.

“Its ingenious structure also means that it will be much shorter and smaller than existing pylons and therefore less intrusive.”

“This competition has been a great success in bringing forward new and creative approaches to a pylon model which has not changed since the 1920s.

“We are going to need a lot more pylons over the next few years to connect new energy to our homes and businesses, and it is important that we do this is in the most beautiful way possible.”

National Grid executive director, Nick Winser, said: “In the T-Pylon we have a design that has the potential to be a real improvement on the steel lattice tower.

“It’s shorter, lighter and the simplicity of the design means it would fit into the landscape more easily. In addition, the design of the electrical components is genuinely innovative and exciting.”

Mr Winser also offered high praise to two runners up adding: “The Totem and Silhouette designs are worthy of further consideration – both of them have strong visual appeal and characteristics that could work well in different landscapes.”

Luke Walsh

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