Carbon protest marchers in county

Supporter Greta Scacchi joined the marchers in Cardiff

Climate change campaigners marching across the UK have been forced to alter their Surrey route because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

The protest is in the county for three days. Organiser Christian Aid said: "We have worked with Defra and local people to ensure the march can go ahead."

The main Cut the Carbon marchers left Northern Ireland on 14 July and they finish in London on Tuesday.

Their climate protest is aimed at businesses and MPs.

'Serious threat'

They were arriving in Surrey on Thursday, making their way to Farnham for a public event at St Andrew's Church.

Other scheduled stops included Badshot Lea, Ash, Woking, Addlestone, Weybridge and Esher.

They then leave the county on Sunday for Kingston-upon-Thames, before the final leg of the march into central London.

The 18 core walkers - some from as far afield as El Salvador, Bangladesh and Kenya - are staying with local families along their route.

Caroline Mead, area staff member for Christian Aid in Surrey, said: "Climate change is the most serious threat to humanity.

"[We must] tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions, through individual actions and by putting pressure on the UK government to pursue climate-friendly national and international policies."