JEREMY Kyle’s visit to a secret Teesside cannabis club will be aired to the nation on Monday.

In September last year, the controversy-courting chat show host and his camera crew were invited into the clandestine Club Exhale to film for the Kyle Files.

The first episode of the documentary series will see Mr Kyle meet members of Teesside Cannabis Club as he investigates issues surrounding cannabis use and asks if it is time to consider changing drug laws.

It is expected to feature a behind-the-scenes look at Club Exhale, a venue on the outskirts of Middlesbrough where people gather to socialise and consume cannabis.

Michael Fisher, founder of the club, said members had been apprehensive at the prospect of participating in the show, adding: “We didn’t want to do it originally because of the negative attitude and views Jeremy displays about cannabis on his day time show.

“However, upon meeting him he was polite, non-judgemental and interested in the side of cannabis he had never researched.

“I have my reservations but I’m confident we did the best we could in a situation not ideal for us. I think the footage taken was positive so if the programme comes across negatively, it’s down to some clever editing at ITV.”

The club has long been associated with the battle to legalise cannabis in the UK, with members recently travelling to London to join a demonstration outside Parliament in support of a private member's bill put forward by MP Paul Flynn which is calling for the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal use. It was due to be debated last Friday but was pushed back to July after previous business overran, leaving MPs facing accusations of filibustering.

Mr Fisher said: “Our team and those from the United Kingdom Cannabis Social Club talked to many people who attended to show support for Paul Flynn, who has pushed for this bill and fought for our rights in the Commons. The day was bittersweet as the bill became victim to filibustering and did not get read. We’re hoping that we see even more faces at Parliament in July – we've come a long way but still have a long way to go.”

The episode will be screened on ITV1 at 8pm on Monday, March 5.