Mobile phone giant Vodafone had submitted a planning application to put up a mast on land off Yoden Way, in Peterlee, not far from houses in Duddon Close.

But planning chiefs on District of Easington's development control and regulatory panel have refused the plans due to its close proximity to homes and because of the visual impact on the environment.

Vicky Huntington, who lives in Duddon Close, had mounted a one-woman campaign, collecting 31 signatures from residents against the siting of the mast.

She said she feared for the possible health risks associated with the structure.

Today the jubilant mum-of-two was ecstatic that council chiefs had heeded her concerns and refused the application.

The 31-year-old, who is married to Carl, 35, and is mum to Luke, seven, and Lucy, one, said: "The council have been very supportive. They did actually listen to us.

"I suppose it does prove that you can fight things even if you think they are set in stone.

"The council panel were very supportive. I'm just pleased it's not going up outside our houses."

The 36ft-high mast would have been located 25 metres away from Vicky's street and would have had the appearance of a lamp-post.

Vicky, a part-time cashier, had done her own research on the internet into the health risks and had pushed Lucy around in her pushchair, gathering signatures against the mast which she then handed to the council.

She said: "It was nerve-racking standing up at the planning meeting and speaking.

"But when it was rejected I was nearly in tears. I was over the moon. I thought it was cut and dry that the mast was going ahead.

"It would have had a big impact on where we live.

"I'm so grateful to the councillors for listening and being so understanding to what I was saying. It just goes to show the public can make a difference."

Vodafone had previously said the application was in line with relevant frequencies and planning regulations.