Brighton schoolchildren Greta Thunberg inspired protest

They joined activists from Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop oil to disrupt traffic in the city-centre, marching from The Level to Hove Lawns as part of their demands to end fossil fuel production.

The march was inspired by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg's climate-related school strikes.

Climate activist Lance Lau (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

13-year-old Lance Lau was an outspoken figure at the demonstration.

He said: "We are striking for climate justice.

"We are out here today, demanding that the UK government stop all fossil fuel production and licensing."

Lance said he has been an activist for the last three years.

• Read more: Primary school pupils hold protest inspired by Greta Thunberg

The Brighton College student added: "The community has come together for this event.

"The turnout might have been lower than expected, but it is more than enough to get on the road.

"The disruption of traffic, and a ten minute wait in a car with heating is nothing compared to the people suffering from the climate crisis.

"It gives them the time to think about what they can do."

Bus traffic was held by the protest (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

He was joined by activists Apollo Moody and Martha Wilson, from Davison High School in Worthing.

14-year-old Martha said: "I didn't want to sit around and just do nothing.

"It needs to be more than signing petitions. It's a really valuable experience to be out here today protesting.

"While my education is important, nothing is going to happen while I sit around and wait.

"My parents are quite supportive, they just want me to be safe. They agree with me, and nothing will happen if people don't take action."

Martha held a sign reading: Why get an education when nobody listens to the educated? (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Her friend, Apollo, said: "I really feel like if I don't do anything, then I'd feel really bad.

"It feels quite scary, knowing that nobody else will be taking action in the future - it feels like I am taking it into my own hands.

"It's quite reassuring to see other people here who care about the climate."

They were holding a banner reading: "Unite to survive".

15-year-old Apollo added: "It's great to have people see you.

"If you stop the traffic, people wonder 'what is stopping the traffic?' and they will then see it is about the climate strike.

"They'll either be really supportive or really annoyed."

Apollo Moody travelled from Worthing for the protest (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

They were wearing a distinctive jacket and jean combo, with political messages sewn into the fabric on many patches.

Apollo said: "I'm quite an artistic person.

"I thought I might put some of my views on my clothing. I've got lots about climate, such as 'mass extinction includes you', and also ones against the government.

"I've been to a lot of Brighton protests, but I'm looking forward to going to protests in London in the future."