General union GMB has welcomed a report predicting that controversial fracking in Britain could create a £33 billion industry eventually employing 64,000 workers.

But environmental campaign group Greenpeace dismissed the report as “hype.”

Fracking involves drilling into layers of shale and other minerals, then shattering or fracturing them to release gas.

Protest groups have sprung up at sites where the procedure is used and opponents say the process can cause pollution of underground water sources.

The report was welcomed by both the GMB and the UK Onshore Operators Group which represents companies involved.

But Greenpeace UK chief scientist Dr Doug Parr said: “Scratch beneath the hype and this report is actually a veiled plea for government and taxpayer support for an industry that has stalled before even taking off.”

One fracking site near Blackpool has been rumoured to have caused earthquakes in the area.