A LONG-RUNNING campaign against a controversial 50-mile line of pylons across the region has suffered a setback.

The blow comes as a council is set to withdraw its financial support for a pressure group opposing the building of a controversial 50-mile line of overhead powerlines throughout the region.

Hambleton District Council has supported Revolt campaigners in their long-running battle against electricity giant National Grid for several years.

But the authority is about to stop giving financial or material help to the group from the end of the year, a move protesters said would be a disappointing setback.

Although no direct grant aid has been offered in recent years, annual costs of about £760 have been incurred through typing, copying and distribution of newsletters and other documents.

Chief executive Peter Simpson said the authority had invested heavily in opposing the pylon line, which will stretch from Lackenby, on Teesside, to Shipton, near York.

But he added that there must be a "cut-off date for the council's continuing support" following the Secretary of State's decision to allow the work to go ahead.

Mr Simpson said: "Despite this council's continuing support for any opposition to the powerlines, it is now felt appropriate to cease material support for Revolt.

"The powerlines have approval and their construction is imminent.

"Whilst the council does not want to hinder Revolt in its work, there has to be a cut-off date for the council's continuing support."

Revolt chairman Mike O'Carroll said on Sunday: "It will be a setback because we have appreciated and valued the support of Hambleton District Council. It is a pity but I couldn't comment further until I know what their reasons are."

He said the group would continue to campaign against the stretch of the pylon line from Picton, near Yarm, to Shipton. Revolt has already dropped its objections to the section from Lackenby to Picton.

Preparatory work for the project is still being carried out, after being hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis, and construction is expected to start next year.