AN ISLE of Wight teenager plans to emulate Greta Thunberg by uniting her community through spreading awareness of environmental issues.

Anya Poerscout-Edgerton, 14, a member of Youth Strike 4 Climate IW, organised a Valentine's Day climate strike at St Thomas' Square in Newport, to spread awareness of current ecological issues.

As well as the youth group, members of Extinction Rebellion IW and pupils from Lanesend Primary School — who are working towards their next Eco-Schools Award — attended the strike.

Anya said: "We have about ten years to reduce emissions, or face severe consequences, and it's up to our generation to lead the way in making the necessary changes.

"Greta Thunberg was such an inspiration because everything with her started at grassroots level — the same applies to Rosa Parks in 1955.

"What seem like solitary gestures can create ripples of revolution.

"We want to peacefully inform people, working with schools and the local community where possible.

"We are not just kids who want to get out of school!"

An exhibition of art made for and during the Valentine’s Day strike is displayed at Independent Arts' People’s Pop-Up Gallery in Newport High Street.

Julie Hutchison, of Extinction Rebellion IW, said: "Extinction Rebellion has always been fully supportive of the school strikes.

"Our children will see worsening weather disasters unfolding as they grow up.

"Time is running out to make meaningful impacts to reduce carbon emissions and to halt biodiversity loss."

Youth Strike 4 Climate IW's next strike is on April 3.