The protesters had blocked the entrance to the field

People living at Claines in Worcester staged their six-day vigil because they considered the temporary structure would be too close to their houses.

Now Vodafone says it will relocate the mast 400m further away from homes, near to the Cornmeadow Lane site.

Protesters and the firm are to meet to discuss the site for a permanent mast.

'Utterly vindicated'

Because the mast is below 15m in height, Vodafone does not have to seek planning permission, but is obliged to consult the council and residents about the plans.

Protester Piers Widdowson said: "We feel utterly vindicated in staging the blockade.

"Although we are happy with the result, we are still concerned that no formal consultation took place."

But he said the protesters and Vodafone engineers would meet to try to find a suitable site in the village for a permanent mast sometime in the future.

Vodafone spokeswoman Jane Frapwell confirmed the company had agreed to change the location of the temporary mast.

She said: "We are glad this compromise has been reached. We believe the residents were unaware initially that this was to be only temporary.

"We are also pleased that the local people and our staff are to tour the area to find a site for a permanent mast that will satisfy everyone, and we look forward to that."