Parents have won the first round in a fight against plans for a mobile phone mast near their children's school - but say they are just waiting for the next bout.

Planning chiefs at Newcastle city council have turned down an application by Vodafone to place a 13-metre mast on Newton Road, North Heaton, Newcastle.

There are already four masts nearby within 250 metres of each other.

Parents living near the site said the proposed fifth would be too close to their children's Cragside Primary School, just 100 metres down the road.

Last night, the parents welcomed the council's decision but were remaining vigilant for an appeal by Vodafone against the decision.

David Lant, (correct) 38, sends his daughter Danielle, (correct) seven, to Cragside Primary and daughters Lori, four, and Maya (correct), two, to St George's Church playgroup, which is also 100 metres from the proposed site.

Mr Lant, a financial adviser, of Cotswold Gardens, North Heaton said he would not be content until it was known whether Vodafone would appeal or not.

"I am optimistic about this new development, but remain vigilant about what will happen in the future," he said.

"It is all too easy for mobile companies to put masts up, because the law says there are no health effects.

"But I just hope the council shows common sense and places masts at sensible distances from schools."

Angela Todd, 40, sends her two sons, Philip, eight, and Ryan, four, to Cragside Primary.

She said: "Obviously we are all very pleased about the decision.

"It is what we wanted for the sake of our children's health.

"But Vodafone have six months to appeal, so we will be vigilant until then and if they do appeal, then we will be prepared."

The parents were supported in their battle by Labour MP for Newcastle East and Wallsend Nick Brown, who wrote a letter of objection to the city council.

Last night, a Vodafone spokeswoman said: "An appeal is something we do not take lightly. We will carefully review all the points of objection with our specialists and consider our next course of action."

Saturday's demonstration against the mast at 10.30am outside Eli Ann's Sun Showers in Newton Road has been cancelled as a result of the decision to reject the mast.