AROUND 20 people in Lydney joined a worldwide call for action on climate change.

The gathering at Lydney Cross on a Friday afternoon as part of the Global Climate Strike could be the first of many such demonstrations of support.

One of the organisers of the protest, Mark Topping, said: “We are part of the Global Climate Strike demanding fast action on the climate crisis.

“There is no greater issue facing us now than than climate change,” he added.

“We have several young people here with us because they are frightened for their future if nothing is done to tackle catastrophic climate change.

“Young people across the world are leading the demands for immediate action on the climate emergency.”

The next demonstration is likely to be in May.

The Forest of Dean District Council is one of several across the country that has declared a climate emergency.

At its March meeting, Monmouth Labour Party also discussed political action on the climate emergency.

Labour representatives on Monmouthshire County Council, the Welsh Assembly and at UK level will be lobbied to intensify actions to tackle climate change.

It was acknowledged that much good work was being done, not least by the Welsh Government’s Well-being of Future Generations Act.

But it was agreed that the “escalating crisis” demanded that more needed to be done at all levels of government.