HUNDREDS of young people and their families joined the fight against global warming in Colchester.

Children took time out of school to attend a march from Castle Park around the town centre on Friday.

The march was in support of the youth-led Global Climate Strike, calling on the Government to act urgently on the climate and ecological crisis before it’s too late.

Watch protestors march through Castle Park:

There were speakers including school students and the well-known author and performer AL Kennedy, along with a samba band.

Tears were shed as emotional speeches were given to the crowds about the threat of climate change on younger generations.

Howie Clarke, ten, came to the march with his dad Jez.

They had spent the night creating a colourful placard using a 3D printer, which raised awareness of the dangers of plastic in the ocean.

Jez said: “Howie is a big fan of wildlife and the oceans. I asked him if he wanted to come along to the march and he said he did.

“This generation has got to be so proactive, but things are changing and it will change quickly - it has got to.”

Howie had written a letter to his headteacher at his school asking for permission to attend the protest.

Evie Frost, 14, wrote a speech which she presented to the public about the impact of climate change.

She has spoken at previous Extinction Rebellion events and it passionate about acting as a voice for the younger generation.

She said: “We have got to act now as the impact is massive, and this generation will face the consequences.”

Among groups supporting the action was the Colchester Trades Union Councils.

Other groups were made up of students and workers.

After the march, a ‘die-in’ was staged where protestors pretended to be ‘dead’.

Dedham Primary School also joined the Global Youth Climate Strike.

The Eco Council, made up of 18 children aged six to 11, went to Flatford Wildlife Garden to be part of the protest.

The children made posters and placards out of recycled cardboard.

Pressure continues when Extinction Rebellion’s second national rebellion starts in London from October 7. The aim is to make governments act now to halt climate change.