LOCAL students will skip school later this week in order to attend a city centre protest over climate change.

Jennifer Thompson Chatburn has organised the demonstration outside Worcester's Guildhall as part of a string of protests across the country.

The 17-year-old A-Level student was inspired to set up the rally on Friday after missing out on the nationwide 'Youth Strike 4 Climate' protests on February 15.

She said: "Worcester was not a part of those strikes. I decided that the best way to have an impact was to set up our own one in Worcester.

"I have got classes on Friday. I've told my teachers that I will be missing and told them why. They were really interested and thought it was for a good cause.

"I'm really disgusted by the Government's inaction, one of our main aims is to get the Government to declare a climate crisis.

"Despite the Government's pledges, our carbon emissions continue to increase."

The student, who has never been to a protest before, said she was inspired by the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who started skipping school to raise awareness about climate issues.

Some 29 people have signed up to attend the Worcester protest on Facebook, although Jennifer thinks more than that will attend.

Worcester Green Party councillor Louis Stephen said: "Our students recognise that this is a climate emergency. They are striking this week because they know we cannot carry on as normal.

“Young people are watching as droughts, floods and storms devastate communities across the globe every day.

"They are watching as thousands of species go extinct. And they are watching the adults who run the world carry on as normal.

“Teachers work hard to prepare students for the future – but right now that future is at serious risk.

"It’s inspiring that this generation is taking action to build a fairer, safer world. Those at all levels of government now must follow their lead.”

The protest will take place from 11am to 2pm outside the Guildhall.

Energy Minister Claire Perry previously said she was 'incredibly proud' of the passion and concern of the youngsters that took part in the last youth climate change strike.

READ: Thousands of schoolchildren took part in the climate change protests last month.

For more details about the Worcester protest go on https://www.facebook.com/events/403648523547281/