STROUD is going on strike this week in a peaceful protest against climate change.

Young activists who have been taking part in school strikes over the climate crisis are urging people to join them in the streets for demonstrations as part of what is expected to be the largest global climate strike.

So far 25 Stroud companies, including Ecotricity, Stroud Brewery, Sound Records, Strangeness & Charm Vintage, Loose Plastic Free Shop, Moonflower and Darbyshire Framemakers, have pledged to participate in the protest.

Forest Green Rovers will also be taking part on the day.

The youth strikers are also calling on parents, working people and politicians to get behind the action and demand urgent steps to tackle the climate crisis.

Stroud's protesters will be joining citizens in towns and cities in more than 150 countries holding strikes at the same time, inspired and supported by teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg.

It is part of a global mass day of action, taking place just three days before the United Nations climate summit in New York.

Greta Thunberg said: “This is not a single-generation job.

"We’re asking adults to step up alongside us.

"Let’s all join together, with your neighbours, co-workers, friends, family and go out on to the streets to make your voices heard and make this a turning point in our history.”

The Five Valleys march, led by a marching band, a choir and the Boss Morris morris-dancing troupe, will be setting off from the Anti Slavery Arch in Paganhill at 11am.

A spokesperson for the event Rebecca Tomlinson of Strangeness and Charm Vintage said: “We’re inviting as many businesses and Stroud people from all walks of life to join us, we want to show the Government that we want action on climate change, not just talk.

"Come along on the day and be part of the solution.”

Greg Pilley, managing director of Stroud Brewery said: “We need support from government, we need to work together as businesses, and crucially we as consumers need to support those businesses that are making strides to do the right thing.”