A PUPIL from St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon was among the thousands of youngsters at the Bristol youth climate strike to see teenage activist Greta Thunberg, followed by a march through the city.

Swedish teenager Greta told the crowd that politicians, world leaders and older generations had betrayed and failed them.

Among those drinking in her message was Bradford on Avon teenager Amelia Wallis, 14, a member of the school's journalism club.

She gives Times readers her personal viewpoint on the day, saying: “I joined an estimated 20,000 activists in Bristol to take part in a Youth Strike 4 Climate event; not only to strike and get my voice heard, but also to hear my hero, Greta Thunberg speak. At Bradford on Avon station, three friends, my Dad and I boarded the train feeling excited about the day ahead.

“Once we arrived in College Green, we took a placard and squelched across the muddy patch of grass to join the crowd near the stage. It didn’t feel too busy but very quickly, the crowd grew until whichever direction you looked, you couldn’t see anything except a seemingly endless crowd of people.

“At around 11 am, we heard from a few young activists who were met with cheers from the crowd. Then, at 11.30am, Greta Thunberg appeared on stage. The crowd erupted into cheers and I felt overwhelmed at how lucky we were to be able to listen to her.

"She gave a speech which gave us all goosebumps before leading us in a march across Bristol. It felt amazing to be part of something so huge and the many chants by those around us gave me a huge rush of adrenalin.

“Although they couldn’t authorise my absence, my school understood my reasons for going, and I feel that it was definitely worth missing school for. I am certain that I will attend many more of these incredible events, and I, along with many other people across the planet, will continue to push for the changes that must happen.

“In the words of Greta Thunberg, 'We will not be silenced because we are the change and change is coming, whether you like it or not'.”