PROTESTORS outside the Kirby Misperton wellsite where 'fracking' is due to take place have held a candle-lit vigil: complete with Buddhist songs and "teachings from 'first nation' origins".

Around 200 demonstrators gathered at the site at dusk yesterday.

A spokesperson for the protectors said: "The vigil marked a shift in the campaign; from fighting through the traditional planning channels to peaceful protest and resistance.

"The vigil had an amazing atmosphere of unity, giving strength to those who have already been actively working for years, and inspiring those who were looking to get more involved."

There were songs and prayers led by Kirby Misperton's retired vicar Jackie Cray and her husband, bishop Graham Cray.

Bishop Cray said: "It gives strength to our resolve to resist the threat which fracking poses not just to this community but to Ryedale as a whole."

Leigh, a protector from York said “This evening’s been amazing, people came together to calmly reflect on our love for the land we strive to protect.

"We will continue to fight KM8 and all future fracking wells with dignity and determination."

The vigil comes at a time of mounting conflicts between protestors based at the site attempting to block traffic movements, and police.

Police said recently: "We have a duty to make sure that people who want to assemble and protest do so safely, balancing this against a duty to ensure that businesses can go about their lawful commercial activity."

Today (Thursday September 14), protestors accused police of blocking a road - police responded it was "for the safety of protestors and officers when we're moving people."