An MP is calling for additional controls on mobile phone masts.

Nicholas Soames, Mid Sussex MP, is working on an initiative with other MPs which he hopes will give local councils more power on where masts are sited.

Mr Soames said: "I'm regularly contacted by my constituents who are worried about the impact of transmission masts on health and on the environment.

"I'm seeking to devise a better way for the Government to deal with this matter by allowing much more power for local councils on the siting of masts.

"The important thing to do is to air these things and to come up with concrete ideas to give additional powers to local government to be able to deal with it."

He said the next step in creating better legislation on the siting of masts would depend on the outcome of research studies which were being partly funded by the Government.