Protesters determined to stop a wind farm development at Langdon are celebrating after the plan was halted by a government inspector.

Proposals for the five turbines, with a maximum height of 120m, have now been scrapped.

Jubilant objectors met on the West Langdon village green for a special Mercury photo call and set off a flock of white doves, a symbol of everlasting tranquility.

There were smiles all round as the protesters waved their specially-made banner reading Common Sense Has Won the Day.

Joan Miller, from the Langdon Action Group, said: "We knew we had a good case at the public inquiry and were hopeful we would win.

"There was always an element of doubt so we were so relieved with the result. It has taken a little while to sink in and we would like to thank everyone who supported us, physically and financially.

"Two people singled out for extra praise are Anthony Hyde the LAG chairman and his wife Jannine, the clerk to our parish council.

"They have both been absolutely wonderful and he has been a supreme leader. Without him I don’t think we would have succeeded."

Mrs Miller said the campaigners were not against wind energy, but the turbines had to be in the right place.

She added that LAG had to raise £70,000 to fight the planning inquiry and would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to help pay off the £15,000 balance. She can be contacted on 01304 821743.

The planning inspector turned down Ecotricity’s proposals describing the scheme as "unacceptable in policy, safety and environmental terms."

* Dale Vince, managing director of Ecotricity, said: "We are disappointed, of course, and are currently reviewing the inspector’s comments. We have, as yet, made no decisions as to our next steps."