More than 100 primary children, plus their teachers, parents, carers and grandparents, came from across Cornwall to perform at Songs for Earth, an environmental service at Truro Cathedral.

The children had been all practising in their schools over recent weeks under the direction of Angela Renshaw, who is the singing lead for Cornwall Music Education Hub and the director of Cornwall’s county choirs.

The pupils, from Celtic Cross Education schools as well as Marazion School, came together at the cathedral prior to the service for their first rehearsal as a massed choir.

They then made their way to Lemon Quay and processed, all the time singing, over to the cathedral. They were stewarded and kept safe on the way by members of the Cornwall Federation of WIs.

The service at the cathedral was led by the Revd Canon Simon Griffiths, while Bishop Philip gave the sermon – ably assisted by six of the children.

“The fact that you all care enough to come here today gives me hope for the future,” Bishop Philip told the congregation.

Cornwall County Youth Choir also performed two songs at the service, which everybody enjoyed.

It was then the turn of the diocesan environmental officer Luci Isaacson to address everybody, and she spoke about the importance of taking individual action, and commended the ten pledges (click here) as simple actions that anybody and everybody can take. She identified the carbon savings that simple actions could make, and gave examples of the impact that could have on polar ice.

“It was an outstanding, prophetic event,” said Bishop Philip. “It felt significant – not least because those children are the ones whose futures are threatened by climate change.”