A GROUP from Tavistock travelled to parliament recently, to lobby MPs over climate change concerns.

CAFOD volunteer and parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption, James Ronan, made the four hour trip to parliament, with CAFOD Plymouth staff and supporters, as part of the 'Speak up for the Love of Climate' Rally.

An estimated 9,000 people attended the event organised by the Climate Coalition, which works with more than 100 organisations, calling on the Government to take action on climate change and the transition of fossil fuels to renewable, sustainable green energy.

The lobbying lasted roughly an hour and was followed by an international climate rally.

James and his CAFOD friends were part of a coalition of other concerned organisations, including Christian Aid, RSPB, Friends of the Earth and WWF. Giselle Hulme, her son Selwin and Kit Harbottle from Tavistock, were also at the event.

Giselle said: 'As we watch the climate of the world change, we are the generation that can act to make a difference; I do not want my grandchildren to ask me why I did not try to do something.'

Although West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox was unfortunately unable to attend the event, he was represented by his parliamentary assistant.

Topics discussed included making both old and new housing more energy efficient, helping schools invest in solar panels, more affordable public transport, protecting hay meadows and growing more wood fuel locally.

Speeches from Olympic rower Andrew Hodge, young campaigners and Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders, with a range of short films and music, drew the day to a close.