PROTESTORS have established a camp as part of a campaign to stop exploratory oil and gas well drilling off the Jurassic Coast.

The Swanage Protection Camp has been set up at California Quarry, near Swanage, and will be manned by at least one person around-the-clock, campaigners say.

Green Party activist Stuart Lane, one of the camp members, said the group is worried about the health and safety of local residents, and possible damage to the surrounding environment.

In 2015 energy firm InfraStrata announced exploratory drilling, for which it was first given temporary permission for in 2013, had been postponed at California Quarry until at least winter 2016/17.

Before that latest postponement, dozens of residents attended a drop-in event at Swanage's Mowlem Theatre where the oil and gas drilling plans were exhibited.

InfraStrata boss Dr Andrew Hindle explained the exploratory drilling would last around six weeks.

If significant reserves are found any further site development would require a separate planning application.

InfraStrata has always maintained that any drilling will not involve controversial hydraulic fracturing - or fracking - at the site.

In 2013 the county council agreed to extend permission for oil production at Purbeck's nearby Wytch Farm oilfield for another 21 years.

Perenco UK bought the site - the largest onshore oilfield in western Europe - in a $610 million deal from BP in 2012.