COCKERMOUTH students will be staging a climate strike tomorrow morning as part of a national campaign.

Isabella Bridgman and Clare Rodger, both 14, have organised the event which will take place on Main Street, from 9am.

Students from up to 40 cities and towns across the country are expected to take part in the Youth Strike 4 Climate.

"I was inspired to strike after seeing the actions of 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, who strikes every week in Sweden," said Isabella.

"It makes me angry, and somewhat scared, to see that the people who are currently in power are doing nothing to stop a crisis that is going to affect everyone.

"Here in Cockermouth, we know the devastating effect that floods can have; unless the government commits to reducing the rate of climate change, floods and extreme weather will become worse, more widespread, and more common.

"Hopefully, if enough of us strike, the government will realise that they need to do something."

The Cockermouth School students will be supported by fellow pupil Lou Rodger, 15, as well as members of environmental campaign group Extinction Rebellion and The Green Party.

Clare said: "We want to raise awareness of climate change. I'm going to be affected more by it than grown-ups but we always have less say because we cannot vote.

"I think the government needs to make major policy decisions and changes. Big companies need to reduce pollution and cut emissions.

"People are not doing enough."

The students have informed the school of their action.

"We have told them we will be missing lessons in the morning and that we will catch up," said Clare.

They have made placards and will be handing out leaflets.