CLIMATE change demonstrators staged a sit-down protest in Southampton as part of their campaign to highlight the threat facing the planet.

Watched by shoppers and a handful of police officers, members of Southampton Extinction Rebellion lay down in the middle of Guildhall Square on Saturday.

They formed the movement’s symbol - an hourglass within a circle.

It follows a series of high-profile protests in which campaigners blocked bridges and streets in London.

People taking part in the Southampton event chalked slogans on the paving slabs including one which said “Climate Justice Now”.

Protesters included Hannah Eigenbrod, nine, of Southampton. Her placard featured a picture of Plant Earth with the word “Fragile”.