Protestors have prevented contractors starting work on a Tetra emergency communications mast in a village in North Cornwall.

Police were called after the group barricaded the entrance to the site at Bossiney near Tintagel.

A number of local residents blocked access with their cars and formed a human chain to try and stop a contractor from delivering an equipment shed on site.

After a stand-off lasting several hours police left and the protestors claimed victory as the contractor was instructed to abandon the delivery.

There are plans to extend the mast by four metres

Protestors say that the mast is too close to houses and should be moved further from the village.

The Tetra mast is being added to an existing communications mast.

Resident Garin Rogers said: "I've lived with it for about 20 years and I think it's ludicrous and I can't see any reason why it should be added to.

"It's an eyesore besides the health issues that could arise from it."

Debbie Squires who lives close to the site also voiced her concerns over the mast's extension.

'No health risk'

"It's just not right," she said.

"It worries me sick that my children live with this."

The Tetra system is designed to improve communications for the police and other emergency services.

Airwave, the company installing the system, has said the latest scientific advice concludes there is no evidence that Tetra technology poses a risk to health.