Around 100 people in Malmesbury took to the streets of Malmesbury in a peaceful protest against climate change.

Young activists who have been taking part in school strikes over the climate crisis urged people of all ages to join them in the streets on Friday for the demonstration.

They joined millions of people around the world in what could be the biggest ever global climate strike.

With the strike taking place at the Market Cross, the protesters’ chants could be heard loudly throughout the town centre.

Signs with messages including “There’s no planet B” and “The climate is changing, are you?” were on display.

Protesters included pupils from Malmesbury School, Malmesbury Primary School and Lea & Garsdon Primary School.

Members of the protest also had a petition ‘demanding that Wiltshire Council produce a Climate Change Action Plan as soon as possible’ going which gained 86 signatures over the course of three hours.

Earlier this year on February 27, Wiltshire Council declared a Climate Emergency.

Joy Smith, from Sherston, who took part in the strike, explained why a petition was handed out.

She said: “Over six months later, no plans are forthcoming from our councillors as to how they are going to meet the target they set for themselves, which is to be carbon free by 2030.

“We asked people to sign the petition to demand that an action plan is produced by the end of the year.”

Janinka Diverio from Malmesbury also took part in the strike.

She was invited to a meeting at the start of the week hosted by Laura Morgan where a small group of residents met to discuss the idea of a strike in the town.

Speaking of the strike Janinka said: “It was really inspiring. “We had a lot of support from drivers going past us all day. We are so pleased with the response, as we only decided to do it a few days before.”

Malmesbury School headteacher Tim Gilson said: "We had ten students involved. 

"While I always believe that students should be in school where they can enjoy learning and be safe, the students who took part in the climate strikes are very thoughtful, serious minded and responsible young people.

"Climate change is an issue about which they feel passionately, they along with many other people of all ages believe this is the defining issue of our age.  

"They have been unfailing polite and respectful to staff at school."

A Facebook group has been set up to start the conversation of climate change in the area. To join, search Malmesbury Climate Action.