A FORMER Olympic canoe coach who is using his love of the water to raise awareness of climate change is now trying to get the royal family to support his campaign.

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 Theresa May, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, European leaders and numerous Tees Valley politicians.

Mr Train is now taking his campaign one step further and has sent a letter to Prince Charles to try and get his support.

In the letter, Mr Train said: "I am sure you are well aware that there are many who believe that we need more than facts and figures if we are to bring all the world on board to tackle the issue.

"What we need is a new world story which reaches the heart and a one that all the world can take part in creating.

"I believe here in the United Kingdom we have the tools to do the job."

Mr Train is hoping the project will be completed in time for the Paris Olympics in 2024, and his next aim is to get President Macron of France to sign the paddle, as well as the president of China.

As part of the project, he is hoping to create a voyage and regatta before every Olympics

"Climate Change is a big issue at the moment but what the world needs is an heroic story that touches peoples hearts," he said.

"I believe that Tees Valley, by working together, can provide that story and draw attention to itself across the world."

Mr Train spent 12 years as a Great Britain Olympic canoe coach and helped the 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 with its focus on large groups and team work.