A £100,000 charity fund has been launched by fracking company Third Energy.

The Kirby Misperton Community Fund will provide grants to local community groups and charities.

The fund covers the areas of Kirby Misperton, including the area outside the parish boundary around the Beansheaf Hotel, and the villages of Great and Little Habton and Great and Little Barugh.

Third Energy has signed an agreement with the Two Ridings Community Foundation to be independent managers of the fund.

Jan Garril, chief executive of the Two Ridings Community Foundation, said: “We will shortly begin the work to set up the Kirby Misperton Community Fund, which will include a survey to establish local priorities and the recruitment of a panel to advise on the distribution of funds.”

Rasik Valand, chief executive of Third Energy, pictured, added: “With our test fracs at Kirby Misperton imminent, this fund is recognition of the role that residents in the Kirby Misperton area have hosting these operations in their community."

However, the fund has been criticised by anti-fracking campaigners. A spokesman for Frack-Free Ryedale said: "The community fund seems to have been purposely set up to try to buy a social licence in our community. 

“It is an attempt by the fracking industry to divide our community and we urge people to reject any approach made by Third Energy and the fund administrators.”

The fund will be available to local voluntary groups, small charities and other not-for-profits based in or serving the area of benefit.

It is anticipated that the fund will make its first grant awards in 2018. For more details, go here.