ENERGY secretary Chris Huhne has told the North East to learn to love “beautiful” wind turbines and called for hundreds more to be given the go ahead.

In comments which will divide opinion Mr Huhne set out his full support for onshore wind turbines during a visit to Newcastle.

To an audience of green energy firms and fellow Liberal Democrats he said opponents of wind turbines had to be challenged when claiming wind farms ruin landscapes such as Northumberland’s.

In a strong defence of the sometimes controversial structures, Mr Huhne insisted that many people shared his opinion that they are “elegant” and “beautiful”.

Speaking at Newcastle’s Centre for Life, he said: “I happen to think we should have more onshore wind turbines. I have been booed for saying this, but I think they are beautiful, and those of us who think they are a good thing need to speak up more and say that.

“After all, no one would now look at windmills and say they do not add something to the view.

“But they are the same technology, they were once new but they are very well liked, there is one in my constituency that is a big tourist attraction, technology from the 17th Century which is now very popular with visitors.

“We are talking about exactly the same thing. When I hear people say wind turbines are bad for scenic areas I just don’t agree, I think they are elegant and beautiful and a lot more people should be saying that.