GREENPEACE has said that a legal case launched by Shell intended to intimidate it and drain its resources has instead had the opposite effect, with members of the public donating over £1 million to support the NGO.

The group launched the fundraiser last November after Shell announced that it was suing over a peaceful climate protest in the North Sea, in which activists occupied a moving oil platform to protest against the damage caused by the oil giant.

Although Shell, which reported a record £22.3 billion in profits last year, acknowledges no damage was caused to its equipment, it is still demanding extensive damages.

Donations are being used to fight the case and to campaign for oil giants to “stop drilling and start paying” for the environmental damage they have caused.

Almost 25,000 donations were received in just nine months, and the funds raised now exceed the amount Shell is seeking in damages ($1m, or £789,000), although it is likely legal costs will run into the millions. 

Greenpeace UK campaigner Philip Evans said: “Shell’s attempt to intimidate us is only making us stronger. 

“Ordinary people have had enough of watching Shell make billions in profit from a commodity that’s driving energy bills up and fuelling climate disasters around the world. 

“Shell might have deep pockets, but the determination of our supporters runs deeper.”

Greenpeace staged a number of stunts to raise money, including delivering a tiny violin to Shell’s HQ in London.

The lawsuit is one of the biggest legal threats faced by Greenpeace in its 53-year history.