A NATIONAL campaign spearheaded by a Herefordshire man has turned to inflatable balloons to save the historic French battlefield of Agincourt.

Don Baggs, of Bishopswood, near Ross-on-Wye, is furious that four high-wind turbines are proposed for the site of the battle.

Campaigners now hope large helium-inflated balloons will be placed in the positions of the proposed wind turbines to highlight their case.

"The Mayor of Azincourt, Bernard Boulet, has agreed to our suggestion to fasten large helium inflated balloons in the exact positions and the exact height of the four proposed wind turbines, for local people to witness, at least, the visual impact," said Mr Baggs.

Objectors want to stop a wind turbine farm from being built at the edge of the site where Monmouth-born King Henry V defeated the French in 1415. The battlefield has remained undisturbed for almost 600 years.

"The main thrust of our campaign, in short, is to save the battlefield for future generations. However, during our visit it became obvious the issue is much wider," he said.

"For the sake of the people nearby, and in the spirit of the Entente Cordiale, we felt it only proper to share the 'independent' information we have gathered."

Mr Baggs said campaigners now had a better understanding of the different rules governing planning applications in France.

"We understand that a mayor in France has no option but to sign and pass such planning applications directly to the Prefecture for decision and has no further part to play in the process. It would appear local people have no voice in that matter," he said.