A DANCING polar bear was part of a ‘Save the Arctic’ protest at Dorchester ’s Shell petrol station.

Around 30 volunteers from Dorchester Greenpeace took part in the show of opposition in order to demand that the company abandons its plans to drill for oil in the Arctic this summer.

The protest was part of a worldwide campaign run by Greenpeace to urge Shell to change its policy, which the environmental activism group says could destroy the polar region.

Dorchester volunteer Irene Statham said the county town demonstration was supported by many members of the public and she hoped that the joint efforts of fellow campaigners around the world would help get the message through.

She said: “We are very pleased with the response.

“Many people have shown an interest in the issue.

“Motorists have responded to the invitation to ‘honk for the Arctic’ and some joined the protest.

“We were one of 60 protests at UK Shell garages.

“Similar protests are taking places across the world from Argentina to Russia and Sweden to Canada.

“We delivered a letter to the manager pointing out that while Shell sees the melting ice from climate change as a business opportunity, others see it as a stark warning of the huge impact climate change is beginning to have on our lives.”

Fellow Dorchester campaigner Mike Tunbridge said: “Easy to get oil is running out.

“Shell is investing billions in hard to get oil, so prices will not be going down any time soon.

“Shell made record profits last year – they care about keeping us oil dependant, not about cheap fuel.

“The way forward is investment in clean energy and fuel-efficient cars.”

A spokesman for Shell said: “Shell recognises that certain organisations are opposed to our exploration programme offshore Alaska, and we respect the right of individuals and organisations to engage in a free and frank exchange of views about our operations. Recognising the right of individuals to express their point of view, we only ask that they do so with their safety and the safety of others, including the general public and Shell personnel, in mind.

“Shell has met with numerous organisations and individuals who oppose drilling offshore Alaska.

“We respect their views and value the dialogue.

“We have extended this same offer for productive dialogue to Greenpeace."