PLANS to scrap a controversial aircraft carrier have received approval from the Environment Agency.

The Le Clemenenceau is expected to arrive at Able UK's Seaton Port TERRC facility before the end of the year.

Environmental campaigners launched a long running legal battle to prevent the vessel from being dismantled due to asbestos fears.

But now the path has been cleared for the work to begin on the 32,700 tons ship.

Able UK chairman and chief executive Peter Stephenson welcomed the decision, saying: "As the Environment Agency themselves point out, every aspect of our plans for the development of the facility-and the contract for the Q790-have been subject to the closest possible scrutiny and there can now be no doubt that TERRC is a world-class centre for undertaking ship and marine recycling to the highest possible practicable environmental standards."

Earlier this month campaigners lost an appeal against a Health and Safety Executive ruling which raised no objections to the scheme to strip the ship at specially created docks near Hartlepool.