ANGRY and frustrated Southampton youngsters have rallied in protest, calling for action to be taken over climate change.

Dozens of students flocked to the University of Southampton to take part in the UK-wide Youth Strike 4 Climate action and call on the government to declare a climate emergency.

Students of all ages took part in the demonstration carrying banners bearing slogans such as "Climate change is worse than homework."

It was the second of two demonstrations organised by the Southampton branch of Extinction Rebellion and was attended by Labour councillor Steve Leggett.

The councillor for Freemantle said: "I gave up my car for climate change. It's good to get people involved in the protests but people should vote and get politicians to stand up for them."

Anna Leveridge, 20, a student coordinator and spokeswoman for the group said about 100 people attended the event and it is important to get students engaged because they will be most affected by climate change.

Described by organisers as family-friendly and peaceful, the demonstration took place outside the Hartley Library from 11am to 2pm involved speeches, music and face painting activities.

The movement has already seen school strikes in Australia and European countries, and was inspired by teenager Greta Thunberg, who protests every Friday outside Sweden's parliament to urge leaders to tackle climate change.

It comes in the wake of a UN report which warned that limiting global temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, beyond which climate impacts become increasingly severe.