ENVIRONMENTAL protesters set up shop in Worcester as part of a co-ordinated national demonstration.

Members of the Worcester branch of Extinction Rebellion took their signs and banners to County Hall on Saturday (May 30), joining other groups across the country.

Around 25 members of the group set up outside County Hall while observing social distancing to call for a Citizens' Assembly to decide the future together during the Covid-19 recovery - a recovery they say must prioritise people and planet over profit.

A group spokesman said: "It was a nice day for it. We didn't have any trouble and got a few greetings from interested passers by.

"The lockdown has shown people they can get out on their bikes and enjoy nature and this is something we want the council to keep encouraging.

"We have seen already the environmental impact of having fewer cars on the road, so we really want people to carry on using their bikes and walking after the lockdown.

"Pollution is down and the sky has been clear so why not carry that on?"

Similar protest also took place in Malvern and in London's Parliament Square with "rebels" being asked to maintain social distancing, wear masks and either cycle or walk rather than drive or use public transport to get there.