This year we have experienced the longest heat wave since 1976 - the North West of England is heading for a hosepipe ban in a couple of weeks. We also discovered recently that Cuadrilla has applied for the final consent from BEIS to start fracking, writes JOHN HOBSON
Anti-fracking movement 'Reclaim the Power' has announced its plans for a summer of disruption against a fracking site in Lancashire. This came days after Greg Clark said shale wells in England will be considered permitted development. CATHERINE HARTE reports
What do Mr Blobby, Spiderman and Dumbledore have in common? And Bez from 80s rock band Happy Mondays, local residents, farmers, students and solidarity groups from around the UK? These characters assembled for a climate carnival in Lancashire, reports LYDIA NOON