Heathrow has said it will make pilots take off at steeper angles to reduce noise after a man said he had to pause the TV when planes flew overhead.

The airport, which the Airports Commission said last month should be allowed to create a third runway, will run a trial from September 14 to March next year.

Pilots will climb at 3.5 degrees instead of 3 degrees after take-off, bosses announced this week.

Graham Lovelace, of East Molesey, said in a petition during flightpath trials last year: "The noise is appalling - each time a plane flies over we have to pause the TV. Windows need to be kept shut."

Esher and Walton MP Dominic Raab wrote to the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority during the trials to highlight the effect noise was having on people's lives.

Matt Gorman, Heathrow director of sustainability and environment, said: "Heathrow has changed, and taken a new approach to addressing our impacts on communities, including when it comes to noise.

"Steeper approaches are just one step in the right direction, and along with other, quieter operating procedures and incentives to bring quieter aircraft into operation, will ensure fewer people are affected by noise, even with an expanded airport."

John Stewart, HACAN chairman, said: "This measure on its own wouldn't reduce noise overall with an expanded airport.

"Residents are hardly going to notice the benefit.

"It's a good start but in itself is not going to make any difference."