UK awards fracking licenses

More than two dozen new areas in northern England and the Midlands could face fracking after new licences were awarded for oil and gas exploration.

Some 27 areas, including near Nottingham, Sheffield, Lincoln and Preston, have been awarded to companies to explore for oil and gas as the Government seeks to push forward with a shale industry in the UK.

A further 132 areas, including parts of the West Country and the south coast as well the North East and North West, are set to be awarded subject to environmental assessment and conditions to protect wildlife.