Work on a test line of the new T pylon has started at National Grid’s training academy in Nottinghamshire.

Six of the new generation of high voltage pylons will be built at the Eakring Academy and are expected to be completed by next summer.

The new design, picked out of 250 entries for a competition, enables the height of the pylon to be lowered to just 35 metres, according to National Grid.

The T pylon is not set to replace the steel lattice pylon but is an alternative option that could be offered to communities when new transmission routes are being built.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: “Love them or hate them, pylons will carry electricity to homes across the country for many years to come.

“The T pylon is a model for the future and it’s great to see the design becoming reality.”

Earlier this month, National Grid announced it would spend up to £500 million on replacing pylons with underground cables in four national parks.