The mast is being sold in pieces to raise funds

A controversial mobile phone mast which was illegally pulled down, is being turned into souvenirs by local residents.

The mast at Wishaw, near Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, prompted a number of protests by villagers who blamed it for a cluster of cancer cases.

The 22-metre mast fell down on Bonfire Night after bolts were removed from the base, in what police described as an act of vandalism.

Residents have now bought the mast from a scrap yard and plan to sell parts of it off as souvenirs.

Overnight vigils

Funds raised from the sale will go towards the residents' campaign to stop a new mast being re-erected.

Protestor Derek Villanueva said the message was "piece of mast, peace of mind."

Following the removal of the mast, villagers staged a blockade at the site to stop a new one being erected.

Villagers said the mast would go back up "over their dead bodies".

Crown Castle Communications, had said it would work with the residents to find an alternative site.

But then the company changed its mind following a statement from mobile phone network T-Mobile, which said it was determined to put the mast back up.