REBELS from Romsey and Southampton have been taking to the streets of London, as part of Extinction Rebellion's climate change protests.

Extinction Rebellion (XR) are raiding and blocking the streets because "business as usual just can't go on".

The protests include a samba band, artistic performances, funerals for lost species and musical statues all within a short walk from Trafalgar Square to Whitehall.

Rebels from the South East collectively took control of Whitehall as their main base of action.

One campaigner, Esther Dovey, from Romsey said: "Monday was full of energy, with samba bands, singing, and dancing, despite the rain and the strong police presence.

"An impressive array of tents sprang up in the evening in Whitehall, and plenty of food was on offer.

"Tuesday was even busier - we joined in with some supportive chanting while a group of locked and glued on rebels were in the road near Parliament.

"They were slowly and painstakingly removed by police which was a little scary."

Chris Stevens, from Romsey said: "Although the police have taken most of our infrastructure and food they can't take our spirit and we will remain here for at least two weeks unless the government acts."

More Romsey rebels will be joining on the weekend.

Lucy Best, from Romsey said: "I am going up to London at the weekend with my three children aged 8, 11, 13 to support the brave people who are putting themselves up for arrest."

XR protesters have glued themselves to buildings after being warned they face arrest.

Climate change activists camped overnight to maintain their stronghold on parts of central London, telling police they were prepared to be taken into custody for failing to comply with orders to move their protest to a single site at Trafalgar Square.

Police handed out notices across Westminster, where campaigners kept an overnight vigil, in an attempt to reduce the disruption in the capital and concentrate the action on one area.

More than 150 protestors have been arrested.