Discovery of an estimated 20m barrels of oil raises prospects for a home counties version of Southfork Ranch
A town close to Gatwick airport has inched closer to becoming Englands version of Dallas after test results showed an exploration well could contain almost 20m barrels of oil.
In contrast to the gleaming corporate headquarters, cattle herders and endless prairies in the opening credits of the fabled TV soap, the oil find is in woodland at Horse Hill, on the border of Surrey and Sussex. The nearest commercial centre is the commuter town of Horley with its two business parks, modern leisure centre and bustling hospitality industry.