TWO local men have joined climate change activists from all over the world recently, to cycle from Devon to Paris, in time for the world conference on climate change next Monday (November 30).

Local activists, including Ross Lynn and Andrew Baldrey from Tavistock, are completing the cycle to stress the concerns of ordinary people about climate change and to urge politicians to take action sooner rather than later.

Many people regard the meeting of word leaders as the last chance for all governments to take action to reverse climate change.

The cyclists are travelling via Plymouth and St Malo to Paris. Once in Paris they will meet with European politicians and and hand over a report on actions which have been taken locally to effectively reduce carbon admissions cheaply.

The ride departed from Barnstaple Square at 10am on November 17 travelling to Bideford, along the Tarka Trail and on to Torrington, Yarde, Meeth, Hatherleigh and Okehampton for the first overnighter.

The following day, the group carried on along the Sustrans Route 27 via Lydford and Tavistock, down into Plymouth and across to Saltash to meet up with the Cornish leg, in time for a departure rally in Plymouth and the ferry to St Malo last Thursday (November 19).

From St. Malo the ride continued across Normandy through Caen and Rouen before arriving in Paris today (Thursday).

l TAVISTOCK Area Christians Together (TACT) is hosting an event this weekend under the title Tavy2Paris, marking the start of the Paris Summit on climate change.

People are invited to give 15-minutes of their Saturday (November 28) at noon, to line the paths each side of the river below Abbey Bridge in the town centre. A short ceremony will include hanging a handmade banner down the historic bridge and collecting hand written messages about why climate change matters to Tavistock, which will be taken to Westminster.

Event co-ordinator Kit Harbottle said: ‘We chose the riverside to gather because it shows how closely connected the natural environment is to Tavistock’s homes and businesses. Climate change puts the welfare of all at risk.’

David Palmer, chair of TACT, said: ‘I invite you to take part with us in this call to world leaders to care for our environment which is essential for our children’s future.’

Participation is open to all, but parents are reminded to keep children under close control near the river. The paths will remain free for dog walkers to pass by, but for safety only guide dogs will be allowed in the line.

TACT plans to go ahead in all but extreme weather conditions.