An exciting programme of events is planned in Weymouth to help raise awareness of climate change.

Saturday June 10 will see the start of the Great Big Green Week - the UK’s biggest-ever celebration of community action to tackle the climate emergency and protect nature.

Local events are being hosted by Climate Resources and Guidance (CraG) operating as Weymouth Climate Hub, in association with St Nic's Gallery, 11 St Nicholas Street.

Doors open at 11am on Saturday June 10 with a clothes swap, fabric collage workshop, crisp packet clothing demo, and an eco-mooring display.

In the evening there will be a party with live music from local artists including James Stradling, Leon Sea and Wyke Ukedelics.

Throughout the week of June 10 -18 from 11am – 4pm there will be a programme of free activities, information and events exploring solutions to help tackle climate change and nature loss.

From 7pm each evening there will be a range of events and entertainment including a screening of the film Bank Job; a panel discussion ‘If I were King;’ an open mic spoken word night and performances from Harmonics and Island Voices.

A closing party will take place on Saturday June 17.

Other local groups and organisations involved include Bringing Back The Birds, Dorset Coast Forum, Extinction Rebellion, Stepford Studios, Stop Portland Waste Incinerator, Ridgewater Energy, Tumbledown Farm and Weymouth Transport Action Group.

Penny Quilter from the Weymouth Climate Hub said: "We are really excited to be celebrating what is being done to tackle climate change.

“It is easy to be depressed by the news and to think our situation is hopeless and our small steps cannot make a difference. This week is all about what we can do, and meeting people who are taking action.

“We can still reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and help nature recover but we do need our leaders to speed up."

Alex Pratt said: "It’s been a lot of work behind the scenes and we have had some great support from St Nics and other individuals.

“We are still in need of a more permanent home for Weymouth Climate Hub so we can continue to do this work all the time and not just once a year at Great Big Green Week. We would welcome approaches from anyone who may be able to help us with premises in the town."

*As reported, a new climate emergency hub is planned for the town to help residents prepare against flood risks. Many areas of the town centre are already at the highest level of flood risk with rising sea levels and climate change exacerbating the problem year by year.

In the event of a one-in-200-year storm happening in Weymouth around a thousand households would be at risk of flooding, and up to 400 businesses.

New building in some parts of the town now have to install flood measures and have flood escape routes built into them.

To find out more or register your interest in helping out with the work of Weymouth Climate Hub, email hello@weymouthclimatehub.com or visit www.weymouthclimatehub.com - you can also find them on Facebook: @WeymouthClimateHub

For details about the Great Big Green Week visit www.greatbiggreenweek.com