O2 wanted to erect a15 metre mast in Wellgreen Lane, just yards from Iford and Kingston Primary School.

More than 100 parents and 225 residents signed a petition against the plan citing concerns about alleged health risks.

Last month a spokesman for the mobile phone company insisted it would lodge a planning application with Lewes District Council but it has now shelved the idea.

O2 said it was 'unlikely' to come back with another application in the vicinity but might need to put another mast in the 'area'.

Stephen Elliot, headteacher at the school, said: 'It's excellent news and a massive relief.

'O2 has told us it's not going ahead with plans for the mast in Wellgreen Lane and the idea was dead in the water.

'I'm glad they've taken this decision because the plan was so unpopular with the community and the school.

'It was great to see the community pull together and have an impact on 02.'

O2 had previously told the Express it wanted to improve phone reception in the area but had been unable to get permission for masts elsewhere.

James Stevenson, community relations manager for O2, said: 'We've looked at how we can improve the reception by tweaking our existing network and that has done away with the need for this application.

'Obviously the public reaction and the petition has influenced the decision.

'We understand what people are saying but they are coming at it from the wrong point of view in terms of health and safety.

'It's very unlikely we'd make another application in this neighbourhood but there could be another one in the area.'