STUDENTS from schools across Bournemouth held protests calling on the council and local MPs to commit to make changes to avert the climate change crisis.

School children as young as five gathered outside the town hall and in the Square for the event, which saw hundreds of students as well as campaigners, parents, families and concerned local residents turn out in support of the youth action strike.

More than 500 people were involved throughout the day.

The Bournemouth schools strike was part of the Global Climate Strike for Future with thousands of students in towns and cities around the world participating in the movement.

The action was inspired by 16-year-old Greta Thunberg from Sweden, who started the strikes and told world leaders she believes it is pointless to go to school to learn science when reports from eminent scientists about climate change are being ignored.