PUPILS at a Furness school showed they really care about the environment by warning people about climate change and launching The Mail's Big Clean campaign.

Youngsters from George Romney Junior School in Dalton armed themselves with placards as they ventured into the streets to talk to the community about protecting the environment.

It came on the same day as thousands of other schools across the world protested for Climate Action Day.

The George Romney pupils also showed their cared about their immediate environment, donning high vis jackets and baring litter pickers to carry out the first Big Clean of 2019.

Headteacher David Reddy said: “We first discussed doing something for this day with our school council.

“The pupils wanted to go on strike from lessons like a lot of others have but instead we decided to go out and speak to people in Dalton.

“They were telling people about their climate change concerns and everyone they spoke to seemed to respond really well to them.

“It was great to see the children take part in something that was really driven by them and people they spoke to could see how much they were in interested in the subject themselves.”

The “school strike” movement for climate change action started in August 2018, when Greta Thunberg, a Swedish 16-year-old, began protesting outside the Swedish parliament.

She inspired children around the world to take action before climate change gets so bad nothing can be done.

Vanessa Sims, editor of The Mail said: “I am thrilled to be launching The Mail's Big Clean campaign for 2019.

"We are rallying south Cumbria’s litter warriors to rid our streets of rubbish and litter.

“Nothing is more important in having pride in the community in which we live, work and play.

“This campaign gives us the focus to improve not only our grot spot areas but our beaches, parks, playgrounds and the streets in which we live.”

The Mail’s Big Clean campaign, in collaboration with The Westmorland Gazette, aims to encourage our local communities to take pride in the areas where they live.

The campaign, sponsored by Kimberly Clark and Spirit Energy, calls upon schools, community groups, businesses, resident associations and individuals to rid our streets of litter and rubbish.

To get involved and for help to organise your own litter pick email Vanessa.Sims@newsquest.co.uk or call 01229 840150.