Youthstrike4climate protest in Taunton

Dozens of young people gave up a day of their half term break to meet up in High Street this morning (Friday).

They then set off with banners and a megaphone to get their message across as part if the third Youthstrike4climate event. Similar protests are taking place across Europe.

One of the organisers, Oscar Glancy, said: "This is young people's response to Government inaction to climate change.

Oscar Glancy

"We're giving up our own time today, but we've previously gone on strike from college because there's no point going to lessons if the future you're studying for doesn't exist."

The marchers are planning to head down East Reach, back up to Paul Street, High Street and up Corporation Street to High Street again, where they are planning to stage a 'die in' by lying down on the ground.

The youngest marcher is Isaac Welch, aged eight, from Othery, who said: "I want to save the planet and don't want to be gloomy. I want it to be bright."

Issac and Debra Welsh.

His mother, Debra Welsh, said: "Isaac is concerned about it and when he saw there was a strike he asked if he could come along."

Oban Mackie said: "We're strikig for our future.

"We've got less than 11 years to take out future back.

"This is bigger than anything else such as Brexit.

"We deserve a future and want a future."

Jago Yelland and Oban Mackie

His friend, Jago Yelland, said: "It's really important and is a massively overlooked issue.

"Everyone is waiting for the next generation to look after it, but there's only 11 years left to do somethng about it."