YOUNG people from across Europe have visited Otley as part of an International Youth Conference on Climate Justice.

Representatives from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Germany and across the UK gathered in Leeds for the event.

Students from Otley's Prince Henry's Grammar School and the Dixons Academy in Bradford shared ideas with Angel of Youth, Youth Parliament members, and representatives from the refugee community.

The conference delegates started by taking part in a debate in the chamber at Leeds City Council, before spending a day in Otley, based at Prince Henry's.

While there, they took the time to visit the town centre to ask residents to join their campaigns for tackling climate change.

Organised by the Leeds Development Education Centre (DEC), the conference also challenged attendees to learn how to survive without running water, build shelters and create a Climate Justice Heroes film.

International co-ordinator at Prince Henry’s, Georgina Anson, said: "Global justice is hugely important to us at Prince Henry’s and our students have learnt a huge amount working with everyone on this fantastic project.

"While our place in, and responsibilities towards, the international community are core to our ethos and curriculum, opportunities of this kind really bring home to our young people the impact of the decisions they make.

"We are really grateful to the Leeds DEC for letting us get involved."

Councillor Alex Sobel (Lab, Moortown) and the deputy director of children's services at Leeds City Council, Paul Brennan, opened the event at Leeds Civic Hall.

Prince Henry's headteacher, Janet Sheriff, meanwhile, and MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West), welcomed the visitors to Otley.

The conference was part of the Global Fairness project, a three-year, EU-funded initiative.

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