FRACKING wells in North Yorkshire would need to have expert inspectors "crawling all over them", according to a county MP.

Kevin Hollinrake, who represents Thirsk and Malton, has written a report after he visited a US state where fracking has proliferated since 2008.

His Ryedale constituency could become a centre of shale gas extraction in the UK and energy company Third Energy have already applied to start work at Kirby Misperton, but the controversial practice has garnered heavy opposition from locals and environmental campaigners.

The MP travelled to Pennsylvania last month to see what impact fracking had in the area - which he says shares many similarities with rural Ryedale.

Now he has said the industry could bring enormous economic benefits, but the key lies in rigorous and well-resourced regulators who can make sure fracking companies respect the environment, and stick to the rules.

Mr Hollinrake met US regulators on his research trip, who he said admitted they were "wet behind the ears" in the early days of shale gas production in Pennsylvania.

The fact that poor well casing meant gas could leak into water supplies shows that in the UK fracking needs "independent, expert engineers crawling all over these sites" to make sure water supplies stay clean, the MP added.

He also said shale gas could be a "stepping stone" to cleaner energy in the future and cannot be ignored as a way to tackle climate change.

In order for the industry to succeed, and be trusted, in the UK fracking needs its own "local plan" for a five year roll-out, a minimum one mile distance between any well sites and schools and homes, and communities near wells should get £5 million to £10 million in financial benefits.

In addition, renewable energies need to be encouraged by long-term, secure investment in subsidies like carbon capture and storage.

- Mr Hollinrake is hosting a public question and answers session with regulators from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Environment Agency, the Health and Safety Executive, as well as representative from with the British Geological Survey and the Planning Advisory Service.

The event will take place in the Main Hall at Malton School on Monday, October 12 from 7-9pm. It is open to Thirsk and Malton constituents, tickets need to be applied for by email to office@kevinhollinrake.org.uk. Information is online at www.kevinhollinrake.org.uk