Children and their families have taken their anti-vehicle idling message to drivers at a level crossing in their village.

The air quality action in Elmswell, near Stowmarket, today was part of the village's Great Big Green Week, which is celebrating everything they are doing to improve the local environment and tackle climate change.

Bury Mercury: Sophie, Indy and Sienna with their placards.Sophie, Indy and Sienna with their placards. (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

At least 20 people turned out at the level crossing, near the children's play park in Crown Mill, with colourful signs to encourage motorists to turn their engines off while waiting at the gates.

Jen Tooke-Marchant, organiser of the week of activities and events, said people did not talk to the drivers or knock on windows, but smiled and used their signs to get their message across. She said the majority of drivers did turn their engines off.

Bury Mercury: At least 20 people took part in the clean air action in Elmswell.At least 20 people took part in the clean air action in Elmswell. (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

"The kids are being amazing," she said. "They are moving towards an engine they can hear and get closer with their signs."

She said there were concerns in the village over children's lungs breathing in the harmful fumes.

Bury Mercury: The protest is part of a week of green activities and events in the village.The protest is part of a week of green activities and events in the village. (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

"There's a children's play park right by the crossing gates and as all these engines are idling, children are breathing in these fumes all the time," she said. "It's pertinent even before you get to the issue of climate change."

Bury Mercury: Matilda and Edward with their placards.Matilda and Edward with their placards. (Image: Archant)

A wild garden event during the week attracted about 50 people and wildflower seeds were also handed out.

Bury Mercury: The Elmswell level crossing is near a play park.The Elmswell level crossing is near a play park. (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Jen added: "I think we are making little steps in Elmswell towards becoming greener."

The nationwide Great Big Green Week is happening in the lead-up to the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26.

Bury Mercury: Villagers came together over concerns of the impact of fumes on children's lungs.Villagers came together over concerns of the impact of fumes on children's lungs. (Image: Archant)