A TEENAGER is making it his mission to tackle climate change in Bolton.

Paris Hayes from Westhoughton has been described as a “credit to his generation” for the action he has taken so far.

More than 85 people, including an MP, councillors and representatives from environmental groups, attended a public meeting which he organised to gather support for the movement.

This comes weeks after he set up a petition calling on the council to declare a climate emergency, which Labour leader Linda Thomas said her party would support.

The 18-year-old has been inspired by Swedish child activist Greta Thunberg as well as socio-political movement Extinction Rebellion.

He said: “The work of extinction rebellion has inspired both me and many others – sending a clear message to those in power who have the option and choice to really enforce the change we need is important.”

The university hopeful who has recently finished his A-Levels said he wanted to bring all those who want to take action together and develop campaign strategies.

The panel at last week’s meeting discussed a mixture of “radical” and “sensible” ideas, according to the climate activist.

He said: “The main outcome was that we need to work together, between political parties, campaign groups and in society to help protect our planet for future generations.”

Wigan MP Lisa Nandy, who was on the panel, said it was “inspiring” to see so many turn up to discuss climate change on a Tuesday evening.

She said: “He is so clearly passionate about the issue, very engaging and keen to work across political parties to tackle climate change. He is a real credit to Bolton and we need more young people like him and the other young activists who attended who do not necessarily support the same political parties but know we have to work together if we’re going to convince government to take the action needed to safeguard the future of the planet.”

Council leader David Greenhalgh agreed that cross-party cooperation is key. He described Paris as a “credit to his generation” for standing up and fighting for what he believes in.

He said: “It is because of people like Paris that the protection of our planet and environment is now high on the agenda in national and local government.

“It is up to us, as politicians of all parties, that we don’t just talk the talk, but we turn the rhetoric into positive action, and I would be happy to invite Paris in to speak to the cabinet to share his views and ideas, from his perspective, on what more he would like us to do.”

Cllr Greenhalgh said he would also vote in favour of the council declaring a climate emergency.