ACTIVISTS held a vigil outside Sherborne Abbey on Earth Day in a bid to express their concerns about the environment.

Members of Quakers from Sherborne and branches in Somerset were joined by members of the Catholic community, the Abbey, and Milborne Port Climate Action outside the historic landmark.

A spokesperson for Quakers, the faith group which held the vigil, said: “Quakers in the UK feel strongly that having contributed to climate change over the past century or more we must take urgent action for the earth and the people who are already experiencing extreme weather events.

“Local people stopped and drivers passing through the town tooted and gave thumbs up, one jumped out of his car to talk to us, wishing to tell us how important he felt that a vegan diet is to reduce greenhouse gases.

“Three Red Rebels also added some drama to the event, although their contribution aimed at expressing a deep concern for all living things on our planet, was perhaps not well understood.”

The group says further climate vigils are planned in Sherborne.