On Saturday at 12.30pm, Stroud joined many towns and cities across the country and across the world in drawing attention to the climate and ecological emergency, currently being discussed at COP26 in Glasgow.

The Stroud Red Band performed Enough is Enough, a song written specifically for choirs, street bands and community-based music groups around the country to perform during COP26 to raise awareness of environmental issues.

To mark the vigil a row of people from all walks of life stood side-by-side in the open air for almost the entire length of Stroud High Street and all the way along Kendrick Street.

Robin Layfield, Labour district councillor and vice chair of the environment committee said: "The mood was thoughtful and contemplative, we stood in silence and in hope.

"COP26 means so much to all of us and we all want a positive outcome, with clear policies and deliverable objectives.

"This was our message to the government of this country. We're watching and listening and waiting. It's time to turn your words into action."

The band gave another performance and nearby a street theatre company entertained passers-by with a performance of a 15-minute pantomime called the Emperor's New Loft Insulation, written and produced by Elizabeth Stanley.

During the day, Stroud District Green Party organised a street survey asking passers-by for their opinions on various issues.

People were also invited to write postcards to Siobhan Baillie MP and to Boris Johnson.

One, from a 14-year-old girl, read: “Dear Boris Johnson, You are in the position to make a difference to the future of the planet and the survival of humanity, which is more than can be said for most people. Don't waste an opportunity to ensure a future for the World's children and the rest of the World. You are Prime minister after all.”

The climate vigil was held to coincide with COP26, the United Nations’ climate change conference, which is taking place in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12.

Organiser Martin Whiteside said: “The turnout – and the many placards that people brought – showed the weight of the concern about climate change and our doubts about the government’s will and commitment to do anything substantive about it.”

Green district councillor Catherine Braun said: "The Vigil for the Planet was a fantastic event with people of all ages attending and a great atmosphere.

"It was an opportunity for hundreds of local people to express their support for action on the climate emergency and for strong commitments at the international climate summit in Glasgow.

"We are all playing our part - and we need world leaders to speed up the transition to a net zero carbon world."