THE Alton Climate Rally, due to take place in the Public Gardens on Saturday, promises to be one of the town’s biggest community events in recent years.

Rod Eckles, who is co-ordinating the rally from 11am to 1pm, said: “The level of support we’ve had from local community groups has been terrific, including the Lions Club, Alton Rotary, the 3rd Alton Scouts who are providing food, and other groups such as Energy Alton and Alton Local Food Initiative.

“It’s clear evidence of the level of shared concern across Alton and the surrounding villages, and a growing feeling that we must take action on climate change if future catastrophes are to be avoided.”

One of the day’s highlights takes place at noon when professional drone operator David Quick will launch a flyer, complete with on-board camera, to buzz over the park and take photographs and video footage of the gathering.

Mr Eckles said: “Don’t miss this opportunity to show that the people of Alton support bold and effective action.”

With this in mind, the photograph will be sent to Prime Minister David Cameron ahead of the Paris climate talks which start on November 30, and the media.

During the rally there will a chance for everyone to get involved making hand-shaped messages to go onto placards for a march through London on Sunday, as well as taking part in a crazy hat parade with attendees urged to “bring a hat decorated on the theme of a season, weather or month”. The competition will be judged by Alton mayor Pam Jones and Alton Society chairman Bob Booker.

A group from Alton will be joining the London Climate March on Sunday to further demonstrate support for a successful outcome to the UN conference in Paris. Anyone interested should meet at Alton railway station at 10am to catch the 10.15am train to Waterloo, returning around 6pm.

Mr Eckles is keen to encourage as many people as possible to come on board. He said: “The cancellation of the planned march in Paris following the tragic events two weeks ago make similar events in London and other capital cities even more important.

“People across the world will be demonstrating their shared concern for our fragile world, eager to ensure a long-sought global agreement to limit greenhouse emissions and keep global warming within manageable bounds. Come and be part of it!”