Public picks name for first operational turbine in Rampion Offshore Wind Farm off Sussex coast

Nearly 1,000 people voted and the winning name was Veranzio Turbine, as suggested by EcOathall, the year-seven eco club at Oathall Community College in Lindfield.

Fausto Veranzio was a Croatian inventor interested in science and engineering. In his book Machinae Novae, published in 1616, he described one of the first wind turbine designs.

He also wrote about solar and water energy, designing a mill driven by tides, and built the first parachute.

Katie Scanlan, Rampion Visitor Centre manager, said: “We are delighted to have a really worthy name for the first operational turbine at Rampion and would like to thank everyone who suggested some fantastic names and all those who voted.”

The five shortlisted names included The Martlet, a familiar symbol of Sussex, appearing on the county flag, and The Knucker, the Anglo-Saxon word for water dragon, which legend says can be found in bottomless pools of water known as a Knuckerhole in Sussex.

Also shortlisted were Revolution, suggested by Graham Bradley from Peacehaven, and Hope, which was proposed by several people in Sussex.

Out of 953 votes cast, Veranzio Turbine gained 70 per cent. The name will be put up on the turbine and the eco club will be given a goodie bag.

Rampion Visitor Centre, at the Kings Road arches in Brighton, was opened in September, bringing to life the story of climate change, renewable energy and our planet’s future, as well as covering the planning and construction of the offshore wind farm.

The centre is part of the £4million Rampion Community Fund, voluntarily created for the Sussex community. It is now open for pre-booked visits at rampionoffshore.com

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