New environmental group East Kent Climate Action (EKCA) were out in Deal High Street on Saturday morning, talking to passers-by and encouraging them to take a few simple steps to help tackle the climate emergency.

They banded together because they felt the need to do something about the worsening crisis affecting the environment.

Chairman Sonja Watsham said: “We desperately hope the government will act on its declaration of climate emergency, but we can take matters in our own hands too.

"Whether it’s leaving the car at home, turning the thermostat down or not buying products containing palm oil (millions of acres of natural forests are being destroyed to make way for palm plantations), it all helps.”

People were encouraged to make pledges to combat climate change.

Trees were given out for people to plant in their gardens to help absorb CO 2.

EKCA is a new group. Its Facebook group warns of specific global warming effects on Kent.

It says: "Kent's geographical location, long coastline and population density means that it is likely to suffer from some of the severest impacts of climate change in the United Kingdom.” (KCC)

"This means more severe weather events such as droughts, heatwaves and storms. Damage to our roads, subsidence of our buildings, increased rates of death during extreme cold or hot periods, transport disruption, property damage, wild fires and sea levels rising, to name just a few."

'Whether it’s leaving the car at home, turning the thermostat down or not buying products containing palm oil, it all helps' Sonja Watsham

East Kent Climate Action meet at Deal ability in Victoria Road, Deal on alternate Wednesdays.

The next meetings are at 6pm and on Wednesday, May 29.

There will also be a Climate Strike in Deal High Street next Friday, May 24 from Deal Town Hall at 11.30am.

The introduction on the facebook event says it's the first climate action march in Deal.

"Our world is in the shadow of catastrophe and we are faced with a blatant choice- our children’s futures, our lives, our peace - or to vote again for a few to pocket a lot."

They will walk from the Town Hall, along High Street, and up to The Strand at Walmer to demand action at the Conservative Party office.

To find out more about the East Kent Climate Action, and for updates on the group search them on Facebook.