AN Olympic canoe coach has received fresh backing in his bid to spread awareness of climate change.

David Train, who was born in Stockton, is calling on world leaders to sign his Paddle for Life - a wooden canoe paddle which he is hoping to use a symbol to spread his message.

Former Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron have all signed his paddle, as well as other European leaders.

He is now looking to get Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn, President Macron from France and President Xi from China to get behind his campaign.

Last week, Mr Train received a boost in his bid to get Mrs May on board, after Claire Perry, the new minister of state for energy and clean growth, agreed to pass on the message to the Prime Minister after signing the paddle herself.

He is also hoping Ms Perry can help to promote the campaign across the continent, as she knows President Macron's climate change adviser.

Speaking about the latest development in his campaign, Mr Train said: "I found out only a few weeks ago that Claire was the minister for climate change and I realised that she could be the catalyst to accelerate the whole process.

"It was a stroke a luck but in all the great races in life you need luck to win the day.

"Claire could change the course of history and having met her I think she is just the person to do it."

Darlington's Jenny Chapman, Redcar's Anna Turley, Middlesbrough's Andy McDonald, Middlesbrough South and east Cleveland's Simon Clarke, Stockton North's Alex Cunningham, Stockton South's Paul Williams and Hartlepool's Mike Hill have all joined the list of MPs who have signed the paddle, along with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.

Mr Train spent 12 years as a Great Britain Olympic canoe coach and helped teams who competed at the Los Angeles, Seoul, Barcelona and Atlanta games between 1984 and 1996.

He was responsible for designing the first Bell Boat, which helps to encourage people to take up water sports.