PEOPLE in Okehampton made their feelings clear about the urgent need to save the planet on Saturday – when more than 50 people turned out to call for action on climate change from world leaders at the COP26 in Glasgow.

Participants ranged from young children to the more mature residents of Okehampton.

The three groups came together at the end outside St James Chapel where they sang earth songs accompanied by Paul Wilson of Wren Music on the accordion and drummers from among the march participants.

Event organiser Fran Rickwood said: 'It was a happy gathering with energy and a strong desire to be part of positive change for our town and planet. Due to the enthusiasm of the dynamic group, we are now hoping to put some of this energy into supporting current environmental projects in and around our town as well as creating new ones.

'I was delighted to see different age groups attending the march especially when I heard that two of the younger members felt inspired to go straight home and write to Boris Johnson!

’Within our community we have so many individuals with a vast array of talents and skills that can benefit our society. When these individuals come together in solidarity their impact can be world-changing. Let’s see what we in Okehampton can achieve!’

The event on Saturday was part of a wider mobilisation nationwide calling for decisive action from the world leaders meeting at COP26 in Glasgow. Fran said she hoped it would also galvanise people at a local level.

'It is hoped that we can use the Okehampton Climate Action Group Facebook page as a means of promoting new environmental initiatives, revitalising existing projects and sharing expertise on how to lead a greener lifestyle,' she said.