MEMBERS of The Swindon WI set up shop in the Brunel Centre this afternoon to promote a campaign that raises awareness of climate change.

Around half a dozen Women’s Institute representatives gathered in the shopping centre to take part in a special green hearts crafting session as part of the nation-wide ‘show the love’ campaign.

This Valentine’s Day, thousands of people across the country are stitching, knitting and painting beautiful green hearts to highlight the dangers of climate change.

WI member Jane Caudwell said: “We care about our environment and our planet and want to be able to sustain life in the future.

“What’s brilliant about this campaign is it gets you to think about the specifics. Sometimes it’s hard to connect climate change to your own life, but it reminds us that it’s the little things that matter and that we all have an important role to play.”

This year, following the historic climate agreement in Paris, the WI is hoping the campaign can have a big impact on people all across the country.

As evidence of their commitment to the cause, one member represented the Swindon group at the huge climate march in London in 2015.

Another member of the Swindon group, Kim Missen, who was clearly passionate about tackling climate change said: “It is one of the big things the WI is getting behind. We are campaigning to do more to help raise awareness and fight climate change.

“Valentine’s Day is usually associated with red hearts, but we are proud to wear green ones to show our love for the environment.”

The campaign coincides with The Swindon WI changing its name. Going forward, the group will be known as Old Town Belles.

Explaining the re-branding, Jane said: “There are eight WIs in Swindon and we are the only one with Swindon in the name. We find this can be quite misleading as we often get confused with other groups.

“We also feel the current name doesn’t really reflect who or what we are – it’s quite an old fashioned name and we are a new age WI.”

To keep up to date with the campaign, use #ShowTheLove on Twitter or log on to www.thewi.org.uk.