Neighbours are celebrating after a bid to extend a Worthing radio mast branded a "rusty eyesore" was turned down.

Amateur radio enthusiast David Loveridge wanted to extend the retractable mast outside his home in Bridge Road from 7.7 metres to 9.5 metres when it was in use.

People living nearby said it would be a blot on the landscape.

Councillors have now rejected Mr Loveridge's application.

Accountant Maureen Taylor, 50, who has lived in Bridge Road for 13 years, said: "I am very pleased that common sense has prevailed.

"One man's hobby should not be allowed to spoil other's enjoyment and devalue their homes."

Council development control manager James Appleton said: "To increase the height would have been unacceptable in a residential area."

Mr Loveridge said: "The mast is not rusty as both the mast and aerial attached to it are made of aluminium.

"I previously applied for the mast to be 12 metres high but this was shot down with objections. I feel that I compromised by requesting permission for it to be 9.5 metres when in use."