Protestors against plans for a new kiln at a north Wales cement works are celebrating after the National Assembly called in the scheme.

Environment Secretary Peter Law will examine the details of the plans by Castle Cement, at Padeswood, near Mold.

Earlier this month, Flintshire County Council approved the application from Castle Cement - despite planning officials' warnings it could damage the local landscape.

The council's decision was taken hours after hundreds protested outside the factory works.

Demonstrators made their presence felt during a site meeting at the Padeswood works by members of the council's planning committee.

Planning officers had recommended that the scheme be rejected on the grounds that its chimneys and tower would have a detrimental effect on the landscape.

Protestors said they were more concerned about the health issue. However, the Environment Agency said it was happy that the �48m new kiln would not be a health risk.

Castle Cement pledged to spend �250,000 on landscaping to lessen the visual impact and claimed that if the application was rejected, the company's German owners could close the plant.

Managers argued that the new kiln would be environmentally safer than existing ones.