TWO wind turbines are proving their worth after creating a big reduction in the electricity bill at a North-East pharmaceutical factory.

The two turbines at the GlaxoSmithKline factory, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, saved £7,000 during December.

This was the highest saving in the nine months since they came into operation.

Smaller reductions have been achieved in each of the other months, and the equipment is well on its way to reaching its savings target of £60,000 a year.

Officials at the company said they were delighted with the way the 135ft machines had been performing.

A spokesman said: "It is excellent to know that if the turbines had not been in action, the electricity bill would have been £7,000 higher in December.

"Any reduction on this scale in the running costs of the factory will help to maintain its competitiveness."

It is the first time wind power has been used by any kind of industry in Teesdale and the first time the company has arranged its own electricity supply at any of its 85 sites in 37 countries.

The spokesman said results would be closely monitored and sent to other factories in the group to be analysed.

The turbines were bought second-hand from a firm in Holland, which was switching to larger models. They produce enough power to heat and light about 200 houses.

Ten residents objected when the scheme was proposed, mainly about the impact on the scenery.

Plans to build a windfarm at nearby Barningham Moor were defeated in the late 1990s after a campaign by local residents.

Other sites in Teesdale which have been earmarked for possible windfarm developments include sites at Hamsterley Forest and between the A66 and the Stang Forest.