HUNDREDS of protesters have rallied in Southampton city centre to declare their love for the planet.

To mark Valentines Day environmental activists gathered at Guildhall Square.

They were demanding that the government takes action to prevent irreversible damage to the climate and the environment.

People of all ages turned out to show their support for the “biggest issue facing humanity today”.

At 12.30pm they marched from Guildhall Square to the Bargate to raise awareness of the climate emergency.

With banners reading “There’s no planet B” and “I love our planet” they peacefully made their way through Westquay shopping centre before returning to the Guildhall.

The campaigners included members of Extinction Rebellion, the UK Student Climate Network, Southampton Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth Southampton, Transition Southampton and Food Not Bombs Southampton.

Richard Mould-Ryan from extinction Rebellion Southampton said, “The Government has set a new target for the UK to be carbon neutral by 2050.

“People might think the problem has been solved, but the policies in place aren’t enough to meet the previous lower target - much more needs to be done.

“At a time when the country and the planet is sorely in need of leadership to tackle the climate emergency, adults are standing shoulder to shoulder with young people who will be affected most - to demand the government shows this leadership and takes action on the most pressing issue to face humankind."