The biggest Glastonbury Festival in history was given the go-ahead today.

Mendip District Council has approved plans which will see 27,500 extra places available when tickets go on sale this Sunday.

For the first time, founder Michael Eavis has been awarded a four-year licence following a major overhaul in security.

More than 177,000 revellers and workers will set up camp on Worthy Farm, Pilton.

There will be at least 137,000 tickets and just under 40,000 traders, staff and volunteers, when the world-famous event takes place on June 22-24.

A spokesman for the council said the four-year licence has been granted with conditions that will require organisers to "consult the local community" regarding future festivals.

Hundreds of thousands of people have already pre-registered for tickets.

A small proportion of the extra allocation will be sold as combined coach-and-festival admission to ensure extra revellers do not clog the roads with cars.

Charles Uzzell, the council's manager for planning and environment, said: "The whole process has gone extremely well this year thanks to excellent partnership working.

"It has involved a lot of hard work from the applicant, the council and the responsible authorities, and the local community.

"We will continue this commitment up to and after all future festivals and now look forward to working with the festival organisers and our other partners to ensure that this year's festival is safe and enjoyable for all."