SUPPORTERS of the planned East Stoke wind farm launched their campaign to champion green energy on Saturday.

The "Say Yes to Wind Power" group, who are backing plans to site six turbines at Masters Pitt, Puddletown Road, hosted an awareness day in Wareham.

The event comes six weeks after renewable energy company Infinergy Ltd, won the right to plant a meteorological mast to measure wind conditions at the site.

Say Yes to Wind Power spokesman and local resident Peter Barker said: "We recognise the need to move away from fossil fuels and understand that wind energy is necessary as part of a safe and efficient energy solution.

"Climate change is the biggest threat to our countryside and way of life that we now face.

"Considering the potential suffering of millions worldwide, no one can morally object to an initiative like this which could help reduce that threat by preventing the emission of 32,000 tonnes of CO2 a year."

Proposals for the 125-metre turbines are still in their earliest stages, but opposition is growing fast.

The Wind Farm Action Group (WFAG), which is against the plans, is forming a formal committee to take the fight forward.

WFAG have taken on the mantle of Dorset Against Rural Turbines, or Dart, an action group which was formed in 2003 to fight proposals for two wind farms near Blandford Forum, and is receiving advice and support from those involved with that campaign.

Infinergy wants to build the county's first wind farm, generating up to 18 megawatts of electricity - enough to serve 10,000 households.

Mr Barker said: "I have done a lot of research into this, even visited a large wind farm, and if I seriously thought anyone would be adversely affected I could not support it as passionately as I do.

"Using a natural and free resource, we believe they are a graceful addition to our landscape, reassuring our community that we are making a positive contribution to the future."