A church has been told it needs planning permission for a wooden cross which is an advert.

Dudley Wood Methodist Church, in Dudley Wood, wanted a free-standing cross outside after moving.

But the church was told by Dudley Council national planning laws classify crosses as adverts so the church had to pay £75 for planning permission.

The church's minister Paul Nzacahayo said: "I think this rule is utterly ridiculous and I am very upset such regulations exist." Dr Nzacahayo added the only thing he wanted to sell was "the word of the Gospel".

The original church was demolished for new housing, with services now in its old Sunday School. But the congregation claim few people realise the building is a church.

Dudley Council spokesman Phil Parker denied it was being heavy handed.

"Crosses are defined as advertisements in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. It is national legislation laid down in law and not a judgment made by Dudley Council," he said. "We do not set the £75 advertisement cost, it is set by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. ..SUPL: