Pupils at a Richmond school took to the streets last week to protest against idling cars at a level crossing near their school.

Year 6 children at Thomson House School in Mortlake held their peaceful 'idling action' protest last Wednesday, June 23, at the Sheen Lane level crossing.

They were inspired to take action after an online workshop hosted by the Idling Action London organisation.

Headteacher Amanda Letch said: "I am immensely proud of our pupils who are not only demonstrating their good citizenship and concern for their local community, but leading the charge in the battle to protect our environment."

Pupils have been investigating the causes of air pollution as part of a topic on climate change, and learned that leaving an engine running while waiting for a level crossing was contributing to the problem.

They persuaded their teachers to mount a campaign to raise awareness of the problem and launched it to coincide with Clean Air Day 2021 which was on June 17.

The school said that the majority of drivers were very supportive of the children's efforts and did turn their engines off.

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