A church has won its battle to incorporate a mobile phone telecommunications mast inside its tower.

Holy Trinity Church, in Briggate, Knaresborough, faced opposition when the plans by Vodafone were announced, and Harrogate Borough Council refused planning permission.

The church appealed and planning inspector John Gray has decided to give the go-ahead.

It will mean replacing stone louvres in the tower with glass-reinforced plastic ones, which will be painted to match the stonework.

Mr Gray said the council had not objected on health concerns, although a number of residents did so.

But he said it was Government policy that the planning system was not the place for determining health safeguards. Because of this, no further consideration needed to be given to those concerns.

Mr Gray said he was sure painting could disguise the antennae so the overall appearance and character of the church would not be affected.

While the church, a Grade II listed building dating from 1866, would be altered, its architectural and historic interest would be undiminished.

A spokesman for the church has refused to comment on the issue while Knaresborough Town Council has simply noted the decision.

There have already been protests in Knaresborough about outdoor communications equipment at the town's police station, fire station and telephone exchange.