COCKERMOUTH town councillors agreed to declare a climate change emergency at a meeting on Wednesday.

They set up a sub group to discuss what action can be taken and agreed to ask Allerdale Borough Council to follow suit.

Councillor Alan Smith proposed the idea.

Councillor Richard Watson said: "Seventy one authorities nationally have done this, including the South Lakes and Carlisle.

"It's non-binding. We look at the actions we can take as a town council and talk to a cross section of the community.

"We can then report back in October or November with specific, achievable suggestions."

Councillor Grace Bennion said: "I totally agree that we should be doing more for the environment. There's a lot going on in the town already."

Councillors Smith and Watson will be in the sub-group with Councillors Stephen Barnes and Andrew Semple.

"We can highlight what we can do and pass it onto the borough and county councils," said Councillor Smith.