Sidmouth now has its very own extinction rebellion group, bent on bringing change and tackling environmental issues.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah HallSidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah Hall (Image: Picture: Sarah Hall)

Co-founder Richard Fuell, along with his wife and friends, held the first awareness event reading the 'declaration of rebellion' on Saturday, September 7.

A group of more than 30 people of all ages attended the protest, beginning at Market Place, before marching to west beach.

There were three 'die-ins' - peaceful protests where participants lie on the ground at an agreed time - each representing one of the three demands of Extinction Rebellion.

The movement demands that governments tell the truth about the climate and ecological emergency; that they act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025; and that they create citizens' assemblies on climate and ecological justice.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah HallSidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah Hall (Image: Picture: Sarah Hall)

Mr Fuell said: "With the consistent horrific news regarding the environment these days, we decided that we want to be involved in bringing change.

"The first part of change is knowing there is a reason for change - the climate crisis. The extreme flooding in Spain, the devastating fires in the Amazon rainforest, fires in Alaska, fires in Siberia, the hurricane which has virtually wiped out the Bahamas, record temperatures across Europe this summer including record temperatures in England, even the size of the potato harvest and lack of cauliflower this year.

"Our seas are not healthy, our planet is dying and we as the human race are killing it.

"It's not right and it's only going to get worse which is why we need to act.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah HallSidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah Hall (Image: Picture: Sarah Hall)

"Change needs to happen and we need to be aware of how and why climate change is having an impact around the world in order to make these changes."

Extinction Rebellion Sidmouth will be meeting regularly on Tuesday evenings at the Unitarian Church (opposite Tesco) at 7pm.

All residents are invited to join, whether old or young, retired or at school.

The meetings will give people to opportunity to go and learn and discus the climate crisis, understanding what is needed.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah HallSidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah Hall (Image: Picture: Sarah Hall)

Extinction Rebellion Sidmouth can be followed on social media.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah HallSidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah Hall (Image: Picture: Sarah Hall)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah HallSidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah Hall (Image: Picture: Sarah Hall)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah HallSidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah Hall (Image: Picture: Sarah Hall)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah HallSidmouth Extinction Rebellion. Picture: Sarah Hall (Image: Picture: Sarah Hall)

Sidmouth Herald: Extinction Rebellion in Sidmouth on Saturday. Ref shs 38 19TI 9842. Picture: Terry IfeExtinction Rebellion in Sidmouth on Saturday. Ref shs 38 19TI 9842. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)