A model aircraft club has been given permission to extend its its flying time - despite calls from residents to close the organisation's airfield.

Shildon Model Flying Club (SMFC) was first granted permission to use the seven-hectare site at Old Eldon, between Newton Aycliffe and Shildon, in May last year.

The temporary order restricted the flying of combustion-engined models weighing 3.2kg or less to a maximum of 14 hours a week in summer and eight hours a week in winter. In its latest application, the club asked to increase the weight of models to 7kg and that flying times be increased to 36 hours a week.

A number of restrictions remain in place from the previous year's application.

A no-fly zone 200 metres from the nearest house has been marked out and noise limits have been imposed on the models.

The club has also agreed to only fly three models at a time - down from last year's four.

In a letter to Sedgefield Borough Council, one resident said the noise was equivalent to the persistent sound of a chainsaw, moped scooter or scrambler motorbike.

Others said the club had breached the conditions of the previous agreement by failing to observe "silent days".

Despite the concerns, councillors agreed to allow the club to use the site for another year.

Don Surtees, from the SMFC, said the decision to approve the club's application was a victory for common sense that had secured the future of the club.

He said: "The club is a non-profit-making and charitable organisation that has been in existence for more than 20 years.

"It has an unblemished safety record and operates strictly within the legal framework which regulates the activity across the UK.

"The approved consent also secures and enhances the role of the club in the community.

"The club's commitment to providing support and encouragement to schools and local community organisations is a fundamental part of its ongoing education initiative.

"This initiative is aimed at encouraging social responsibility in children and young adults, as well as introducing them to design and construction skills.

"The club's flying site provides a safe, controlled environment to operate aircraft that would otherwise be flown without regulation across common land and leisure areas."