A grandmother from Cornwall is among a group of campaigners blocking ten oil terminals across the country to highlight their demand to end the use of fossil fuels in the UK.

At 4am today Extinction Rebellion campaigners from Cornwall and neighbouring Devon blocked a gate at the BP Hamble Oil Terminal in Hampshire.

Some campaigners are attached to a van blocking the gate, while others have strung up banners to support the action.

The vehicle is intended to symbolise the need to transition away from fossil fuelled transport, and is topped by a large, pink model dodo, as a plea to "prevent further species extinction and restore nature", say the group.

Among them is Erica Curren, a grandmother from south east Cornwall, who is currently living underneath the van.

She said: “I am a mother, grandmother, stepgrandmother and great aunt. I work as a wholefood shop assistant in south east Cornwall. I am horrified that governments and corporations are effectively prepared to drive millions now, and billions in the future, and my beloved family, over the cliff edge we are speeding towards in a juggernaut called 'business as usual', simply because they crave profit over wellbeing.

The protestors outside the BP Hamble Oil Terminal in Hampshire Picture: XR

The protestors outside the BP Hamble Oil Terminal in Hampshire Picture: XR

"I refuse to stand by and watch this happen. I lost my ‘good character’ three years ago and will continue to do all I can who have long known that urgent action is necessary.

"If that means I continue being arrested then so be it. We must prevent new fossil fuel extraction and phase out fossil fuel use as soon as possible.

"If this government had our interests at heart they would be seriously considering major energy efficiency measures. I think people are ready for this with thoughtful, compassionate leadership."

One of the protestors shows the giant pink dodo on top of the van Picture: XR

One of the protestors shows the giant pink dodo on top of the van Picture: XR

Campaigners have highlighted flooding and fires in recent years as examples of the effects of climate change.

They have described the world as being "at a tipping point," adding: "We can choose a just transition away from fossil fuels, or dig in our heels, prioritise profit at any cost to humanity. The latter will lead to further inequality, suffering and human deaths. Humanity is at risk, as are so many species and habitats."

An architectural designer living in Cornwall but currently on top of the van said: "This action is beyond justified."