STUDENTS in Winchester marched through the city to voice their concerns over the future of the planet.

The march started outside of the Winchester Discovery Centre, Jewry Street, on Easter Monday and finished by Winchester Guildhall, The Broadway. It was organised by Winchester Friends of the Earth (FoE) in response to the recent protests by students asking for action on climate change.

The aim of the march was to unite people off all ages from different groups and organisations, which was led by students, to show that there is a widespread demand in Winchester to tackle climate change. It started at 11am and finished at 12pm.

Jemma Barter, coordinator for Winchester FoE, said: "We think at least 300 people came along and it was a much bigger turnout than we thought. The students were really good and there was lots of shouting.

"We want to ask the city council to declare a climate emergency as the next step and we are hoping the group in Winchester will start to work more closely with the young people. We want to work on a local level and get people on board and hopefully others will follow."

Student protests have been sweeping Europe and have been held in Winchester in recent weeks, although the numbers were relatively small.

The protest coincided with Earth Day, where people around the world demonstrate their support for environmental protection and it began in 1970.