Fracking: The pros and cons of extracting shale gas

Lancashire County Council is discussing applications to extract shale gas at two sites on the Fylde coast.

Planning officers have recommended approval for the application for test fracking at Little Plumpton, but Roseacre Wood has been recommended for refusal.

Fracking - or hydraulic fracturing - is a technique in which water and chemicals are pumped into shale rock at high pressure to extract gas.

However, anti-fracking campaigners claim the process is harmful to the environment.

BBC North West Tonight explains the process and explores the pros and cons.