A vicar has described the planning process as "ludicrous" after fighting to erect two mosaics on the side of her church.

Reverend Kim Aston was incredulous when she was told she would have to apply for advertising consent to mount the two community pieces of art work.

Council officers said the mosaics, created by members of the community, would add to the "visual clutter" of the Grade II listed St George's Church, in Barrow Road, Waddon, and recommended refusal.

Miss Aston said: "We had all different sorts of people from five to 85 working together to create these amazing pieces of art. They were very upset when they heard their hard work was described as visual clutter. The whole thing was ludicrous. "

The mosaics depict the story of St George, patron saint of England, fighting the dragon and took seven months to construct. More than 40 people contributed to the art works.

The church said the mosaics depicted the community working together to combat life's problems, portrayed by the dragon, and by displaying these they would act as a reminder of the message to passersby.

But common sense prevailed as the planning committee cast aside bureaucracy and unanimously voted in favour of the project at their meeting on Thursday, June 19.

The mosaics are likely to be installed within the month.