UNSIGHTLY overhead power cables in several of the county's most scenic villages will be put underground.

The scheme will benefit many of the 20 villages in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Electricity price watchdog Ofgem has given money to electricity supply companies to put cables underground in AONBs and national parks.

Project manager Paul Jackson, who is based at the project's headquarters at Wath Court, Hovingham, said: "For our local supply company, NEDL, the figure is £5.5m for the next five years, which is to be split between seven national parks and AONBs."

Due to the high cost of putting different types of power lines underground, NEDL said the best value for money would be achieved by tackling low voltage lines in villages.

Mr Jackson said: "Higher voltage lines outside villages can be considered, but less work can be achieved within the budget available."

Parish councils have also been consulted on the scheme and a list of areas that could benefit has been drawn up and passed to NEDL. The first cables should be put underground by next summer.

Mr Jackson said: "The work only relates to electricity cables. Even if the electricity cables go underground, any overhead telephone wires are likely to stay.

"Street lights mounted on electricity poles that become redundant will also need new arrangements, such as keeping the old wooden pole or putting up a new one.