THE yard of a Whitby-based scaffolding company was shut down today after an anti-fracking protestor boarded one of its HGVs.

A small group of protestors arrived at the yard of Sky Scaffolding early this morning to hold a 'pop up' protest.

At around 7am, while 'slow walking' a lorry carrying scaffolding, the vehicle was mounted by one of the protestors - blocking the gateway to the yard.

The protest was due to Sky Scaffolding working with gas firm Third Energy at their fracking site at Kirby Misperton.

The protestors said that for the last two weeks they have been calling for the company to stand with them.

The protestor remained on the lorry until 11.45am, when the company cut their own fence in order to create an alternative route out of the yard.

At this point the 'surfer' dismounted the lorry and was then arrested by police.

Tony Coates, director of Sky Scaffolding, said that in the end the company were forced to cut their fence down to allow vehicles out.

"All we're doing is trying to get on with our jobs," he said. "They're stopping lads going to work.

"There's different opinions on fracking, but if we weren't doing the scaffolding, someone else would."

Protestors have previously said that pressuring delivery firms is an effective means of protest - which has led to several contractors ending contracts with fracking companies.

Police said a 21-year-old man had been arrested.

Update: The next day a police spokesperson said: "A 21-year-old man has been charged after an incident in Whitby on Wednesday October 4.

"Police were called to a business premises in the town, where a man had climbed onto the roof of a heavy goods vehicle. Officers spoke to him, and he climbed down and was arrested.

"He has been charged with hindering people carrying out their lawful business, an offence under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

"He will appear at Scarborough Magistrates Court later this month."