Encore Oil plc, who have been drilling the Burgman Well in the North Sea, have reported finding “good quality hydrocarbons” at a total depth of 5,990 feet.

The company reported hitting 12 feet of gas and 10 feet of oil. Seismic data suggests that other parts in the Tay sandstone formation will provide more oil and gas.

Alan Booth, EnCore’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This well has proved up a substantial column of good quality oil in the Burgman structure.”

The group will now drill a ‘side-track’ well in order to search for more crude. The results will be known within the next ten days.

Mr Booth added: “This short side-track should, we believe, confirm thicker Lower Tay sands and help us further delineate what could be another important, good quality oil discovery in Block 28/9.”