More than 100 students protested outside Tynwald to demand action on climate change in what was probably the biggest youth protest the island has seen.

Friday afternoon saw Manx high school students take part in a global strike for climate change that has seen students walk out of schools across the globe.

In Douglas, students from Ballakermeen and St Ninian’s high schools gathered outside the legislative buildings and shouted their demands for immediate action from Tynwald.

The event was organised by Ballakermeen sixth former Ciara Sowerby who said she was ’gobsmacked’ at the turnout.

She said: ’I’m very pleased with the amount of people who turned up.

’I really didn’t expect so many, it’s phenomenal.

’I’m actually getting quite emotional about it.

’Hopefully it will encourage people in power to do something.’

Ciara said she wanted to see the government improve its target to reduce 80% of carbon emissions by 2050 to a 50% reduction by 2030.

She also said that potentially allowing a drilling licence for offshore gas was not coherent with that target as the island should be looking to increase its use of renewable energy.

As the gathered crowd awaited the arrival of Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot, MHKs Martyn Perkins and Dr Alex Allinson and Bill Henderson MLC came to speak some of the students about their position on the challenge of climate change.

Mr Henderson told the Examiner: ’Politicians talk about engaging with young voters.Well here they are.

’This demonstration shows that the island’s youth are engaged with issues that matter to them.’

As the rain began to fall, Mr Boot made his appearance and spoke with Ciara and other students about their concerns.

Ciara said the Minister has offered to meet with a smaller group of students and discuss the matter with them.

She warned: ’I hope he and other politicians do take us seriously. They have to pay attention to this number of students who they’ll want to vote for them at the next election which is just over two years away.’