SWEDISH environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg has told 20,000 youngsters in Bristol they have got to lead world change on the climate emergency.

Speaking at a Youth Strike for Climate rally and march at College Green in Bristol, she told the crowd that politicians, world leaders and older generations had betrayed and failed them.

Among the crowd were many pupils from schools in north and west Wiltshire, including St Augustine's RC College in Trowbridge, Devizes School, St John's in Marlborough and Melksham Oak Community School.

Secondary schools in Westbury and Warminster including Matravers, Kingdown and Warminster School, said they were “not aware” of any of their pupils having gone to the rally.

The 17-year-old activist arrived by train at Bristol Temple Meads station and was driven to College Green outside Bristol Cathedral by electric car.

BBC Bristol reported that Greta said: " Greta Thunberg took to the stage saying: "I am so happy to be here in Bristol with all of you."

"This is an emergency. People are already suffering and dying from the consequences of the climate and an environmental emergency. But it will get worse and still this emergency is being completely ignored by the politicians, the media and those in power," she said.

"World leaders are behaving like children so it falls on us to be the adults in the room," she said.

"Just look at Bristol as an example. The other week the plans to expand Bristol airport were cancelled - a lot thanks to climate activists," she said.

"And of course this is far from enough, but it shows that it does actually make a difference. Activism works so I'm telling you to act.

“Basically, nothing is being done to halt this crisis, despite all the beautiful words and promises from our elected officials.

"So what did we do during this crucial time? What will we do, right now? Well I will not aside and watch I will not be silenced while the world is on fire, will you?

"We should not be the ones who will have to lead on this and tell the uncomfortable truth.

"Once again they sweep their mess under the rug for us young people, for their children to clean up for them.

"But we must continue and we have to be patient and remember that the changes required will not happen overnight since the politics and the solutions needed are still far from sight.

"But if enough people are pushing for change then change will come and we are those people and every single person counts.

"If you look throughout history, all the great changes have come from the people.

"We are being betrayed by those in power and they are failing us but we will not back down.

"And if you feel threatened by that then I have some very bad news for you. We will not be silenced because we are the change and change is coming whether you like it or not. Thank you and let's march."

After making her speech, Miss Thunberg led the Youth Strike for Climate March in Bristol, where many city centre roads have been closed by Avon & Somerset Police who had earlier issued safety warnings.

The area covered by road closures stretches from Broadmead and the Bearpit across to Hotwells, Brandon Hill and Park Street.

Teenage organisers of the Bristol Youth Strike for Climate insisted that the event would be well run and safe.

They dismissed concerns expressed by police and council officials at the scale of the event as “patronising.”

Were you at today's rally in Bristol. Call John Baker on 01225 773628 or email john.baker@newsquest.co.uk to give us your reaction.