Trials have begun of a phone mast that incorporates the latest in fuel cell technology.

Pioneered by telecommunications company Orange, the mast is to utilise hydrogen fuel-cell technology and, it is hoped, ultimately eliminate the need for laying electric power cables.

The self contained technology also means that masts can be installed in remote areas that would have previously been unviable.

Ian Guthrie, the operations manager of Orange in Scotland commented: "We are delighted to be trialing the first ever hydrogen-powered mobile base-station. This breakthrough means we will be able to look at getting network coverage to those areas not covered at this present time."

The mast will be erected at Clashindarroch Forest in Scotland, near the Huntly Nordic Ski Centre.

It is the first in the UK to use hydrogen fuel cells which have been developed by the BOC group. 

This fuel cell will produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen over a platinum catalyst.