CLIMATE-CHANGE campaigners from Spain are marching to Glasgow for the COP26 Summit next month to highlight the climate crisis.

Their 1000km journey started in Bilbao, Spain, before landing in Portsmouth to start their march north.

The group aims to highlight the importance of the United Nations COP 26 climate discussions.

Mayor of Darlington, Cyndi Hughes met the 12 walkers as they crossed the North Yorkshire/County Durham border of Croft Bridge.

The Northern Echo: Mayor of Darlington, Cyndi Hughes greeted the climate campaigners at Croft Bridge PICTURE: EMMA SHOTTONMayor of Darlington, Cyndi Hughes greeted the climate campaigners at Croft Bridge PICTURE: EMMA SHOTTON

Mayor Hughes said: “As Darlington’s first citizen I was so honoured to meet them and to welcome them.

“It’s the duty of us all to encourage our governments to take action now to save the planet so all power to the walkers.”

Read more: Darlington green fair takes places ahead of COP26

Project manager, environmental educator and marcher, Carlos Buj said: "The first day was actually the hardest. The weather was terrible so it wasn't a good start but somehow we kept going."

Another walker, Jose Martinez said: “We believe it is our duty to make this small symbolic sacrifice if it can help raise awareness about all that is at stake in Glasgow. It is our future that is on the line.”

Maribel Roldon, also walking, said “Science tells us that the future of humanity depends on what happens at the Climate Change Summit in Glasgow in November. It’s our very last chance to take effective action.”

Friends of the Earth Darlington organised a rally in support at Pease Monument in Darlington town centre at 12pm.

Kendra Ullyart, from Friends of the Earth Darlington, said “We are all walking with you in spirit.”

Read more: Darlington Friends of the Earth rewarded for campaign work

Kendra's daughter, Tamara Ullyart said: "My generation was born at the turning point for change."

Councillor Sanja Ali (Labour) said: "I think people are starting to rethink what it means to be rich. It's about having clean air to breathe and being able to use our natural resources responsibly. It's not about polluting the earth and consuming more than we need."

Councillor Matthew Snedker (Green) said: "Future generations will be grateful for this."

Councillor Stephen Harker (Labour) said: "I think it's vital we protect the earth for future generations."

The marchers continue their journey to Durham today and Newcastle on Thursday.

--

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054