ANTI-fracking campaigners are hoping to hold the county’s biggest-ever anti-fracking rally this weekend.

Organised by Frack Free Ryedale, the rally will see campaigners march through Malton town centre with posters and banners before speeches from invited guests.

Chris Redston, of Frack Free Ryedale, said that he expects hundreds of people to attend, including supporters from Hull, Scarborough, York and Lancashire, as well as hundreds of people from Ryedale’s towns and villages.

“With the planning application imminent for the Kirby Misperton test frack, we want to make sure we are increasing the awareness.

“If it is allowed in this area, fracking would be bad for local businesses, bad for tourism, bad for farming – and bad for the people of Ryedale.

“We don’t often get the chance to get everyone together and we felt that it was time to do that. The people we are representing are mothers and families and working people. We are all worried about how this will affect the area.”

Gas company Third Energy intend to submit an application to carry out a test frack at an existing well site in Kirby Misperton later this year.

Mr Redston said that with the upcoming General Election, fracking was sure to be a key issue, and the parliamentary candidates for Thirsk and Malton who oppose fracking have been invited to speak for five minutes each.

Other speakers will include GP Tim Thornton, who will deliver a five minute talk on the potential health impacts of fracking, as well as Kirby Misperton residents and people living in Lancashire who will share their views on what it has been like to fight the fracking industry in their area.

Jo White, one of the organisers of the rally, said the event is family friendly and urged everyone to come along to find out more.

She said: “We hope that everyone who is concerned about the threat of fracking in Ryedale will come and join us for the rally.

“It promises to be a fun, family-friendly event.

“We also hope that people will ask their election candidates where they stand on fracking and vote accordingly.”

The rally will leave Norton skate park on Saturday at noon and walk through Malton to Castle Gardens where there will be speakers, refreshments, music, cakes and an information tent, from 1pm.