ANTI-FRACKING groups from Ryedale have welcomed fellow protestors from the Frack-Free Middlesbrough group after they walked over the moors to Kirby Misperton.

The 30-mile trek was undertaken by a small number of Middlesbrough walkers and cyclists on Saturday, in order to "show solidarity" to the Ryedale demonstrators.

Upon their arrival at Little Barugh at about 8pm, the protestors were joined by members of Frack-Free Ryedale and they laid flowers by the wellsite.

Sue Gough, of Frack-Free Kirby Misperton, said: "On Saturday, walkers came from Middlesbrough across the moors in solidarity with Frack-Free Kirby Misperton and Frack-Free Ryedale.

"We held an afternoon tea event for local people which was well attended. Sunny weather for once made it a lovely event.

"The walkers arrived at about 8pm and we walked down to the wellsite at Kirby Misperton for a flower laying ceremony before going back to the house for a lovely vegetable curry to end the day. The last visitors left at 11pm.

"Much love and admiration goes to the walkers; it was so lovely to meet them. We will stay in touch and certainly plan some more events to share.

"Thank you to everyone who helped to make the day a great success."

Despite the recent decision by North Yorkshire County Council to approve a test frack at Kirby Misperton, a number of anti-fracking groups are continuing to campaign.

Last week Frack-Free Ryedale and Friends of the Earth declared they were launching a legal challenge to the decision, saying that the council had failed to properly consider the impact of fracking on climate change.

There is also a large march planned at Clifford's Tower in York on Saturday, July 30, at noon, which is expected to draw very large numbers of demonstrators from across Yorkshire and further afield.