HUNDREDS of people across the North-East took to the streets to be part of a global climate change protest - in what could turn out to be the biggest environmental protest in history.

Climate strikes were held in towns and cities including Darlington, Durham, Bishop Auckland and Newcastle which saw campaigners call on the Government to take urgent action against the climate emergency.

In Bishop Auckland Market Place, the town's MP Helen Goodman told campaigners: "This is the most dangerous moment. We have to stop making excuses and start taking action.

"We need a national program and a government committed to change."

The Northern Echo:

MP Helen Goodman joined young protesters in Bishop Auckland

Durham County Councillor Joy Allan, who is the town’s mayor, said: "Today I have already seen how people are taking to the streets throughout the world demanding immediate action to address this climate emergency.

"As Greta Thunberg would say 'no one is too small to make a difference' and in Bishop Auckland we are demonstrating that no town is too small to make that very important difference.

"I hope everyone here today becomes part of our movement to make Bishop Auckland a carbon neutral town."

Students and members of Durham Greenpeace Group led more than 300 people from all over County Durham who demonstrated in Durham city centre.

Passers-by were encouraged to join the recently set up Durham Climate Choir in singing protest songs and chants.

Earlier this year, a climate emergency was declared by Durham County Council which set a target of reducing its carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2030 and for the county as a whole to be 100 per cent carbon neutral by 2050.