MAST Sanity, the Radcliffe-based national campaign group, has rubbished claims that mobile phone masts are not a health hazard.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, a new study indicates that radiation from masts sited next to schools and hospitals is well within accepted safety levels and well within national guidelines.

"This report is a load of rubbish," said Lisa Oldham, director of Mast Sanity.

"We have always said it is the biological effects that are important, not the level of emissions."

She added: "The European guidelines are ten years out of date and do not take into account that mobile phone technology has developed considerably during that time or the huge explosion in use. The government is trying to play catch-up."

Mrs Oldham said worrying research into the health effects had emerged after the guidelines were put into place, but this had not been considered by governments who would rather put "profit before people".

The study examined masts close to 82 schools and 27 hospitals. The highest radiation reading was at Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, but it was still more than 700 times below the international limit.

Telecoms minister Stephen Timms said: "We are aware of public concerns and it is important to give the public the information they need. These results continue to show that exposure levels of the public are well below recommended limits."

The study will continue, looking at more schools and hospitals before extending to look at other potentially sensitive sites.

The Radcliffe-based group is urging as many people as possible to take part in a huge rally in London on March 8.

Chairman Chris Maile, of Outwood Road, said: "The issue of phone masts is now one of the most controversial in the UK and this rally is the opportunity for ordinary people concerned about the potential effects to join with thousands of others in calling for a fair planning system that takes fully into account their concerns."

A number of speakers will address the rally, including politicians from all the main parties who will be joined by experts and campaign activists.

The rally starts at Hyde Park Corner at noon and the march starts at 1.30pm, arriving at Trafalgar Square for speeches at 2.30pm.

To book coach seats telephone 959 0999.