Penrith environmentalists have joined the Time is Now protest in London.

The group of residents, young and old, used their marching time to lobby Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and the Border.

Protesters, more than 30 of whom were from the constituency, marched on Westminster in protest over government inaction on a wide range of environment related issues.

They were met by a number of MPs who came out to discuss the issues being put forward.

Sally Shenton, a resident of Penrith, said: “There was so much positive energy today - we need cross party action to tackle this issue.

“It was so great to see MPs mingling with demonstrators and having really open conversations.”

Sarah Wilson, also a resident of Penrith, said: “It was great to be amongst such a widely representative group of constituents and to join with others from across the UK,” said

The main event of yesterday’s march involved protesters setting off alarm clocks outside Parliament at 2pm to drive home the message that the time to act is now.

While taking part in the Conservative Party leadership campaign throughout June, Mr Stewart was vocal in his desire to see climate change be covered more substantially by politicians.

Yesterday, he also announced that the UK is now taking part in the UN Sustainable Development plan which aims to increase efforts to combat climate change.

In response to the lobbying efforts of his constituents, Mr Stewart said: “I agree with them and I am extremely proud of the fact that we have committed to net-zero by 2050.

“As Secretary of State for International Development, I have doubled the amount that my department will be spending on climate and the environment.

“My answer to them is what matters is actions not words.”

According to the Time is Now website, the protest has more than 130 supporters across the county - the vast majority based in the south Lakes.

There were also supporters from all the way from the Shetland Islands down to Penzance.

A Workington couple are also taking part in the march, however they are marching on behalf of Christian Aid.

The couple, who are members of St John’s Church in Workington, have previously taken part in other action, including the International Climate March in Keswick, in spring 2017.

The Time is Now protest was organised by the Climate Coalition and Greener UK as a way to push the Government into taking stronger actions over the climate crisis.