Young people from Maldon and Heybridge have established a new environmental arts group, set to launch at Maldon Town Hall on Sunday 5 November. 

Developed by local environmentalists Hattie and El, 'eARTh' is supported by the Heybridge and Maldon Climate Action Partnership. The youth-led initiative aims to give local young people the opportunity to show off their creativity in a supportive and relaxed environment. 

"We know the challenges that face our generation and understand that our voice is our most powerful tool in respect of change," the organisers said in a statement.

Through their ecological-themed artwork, it is hoped members can raise awareness of important environmental issues and inspire others to help protect the future of the planet. 

Residents between the ages of 13 and 25 with an interest in art are invited to attend the launch and find out more about eARTh. The group is also welcoming local artists to join the launch event and support them by sharing their ideas and skills. 

The group's first major project will be to produce a large artwork dubbed the 'Art for Earth's Sake Collaborative Collage'. 

The group will display their artwork in the window of The Emporium in Maldon High Street. (Credit: Ben Shahrabi)

Following its completion, the collage is set to be displayed in the window of The Emporium. Shop owners Mary and Graham Powell are supporting the initiative. 

Hattie and El showed their gratitude for the "great opportunity" to spread their message. However, the scale of the artwork means help is needed. 

They said: "It's a huge window, so we need you! 

"If you are in Year 9 and above, come and join us. It's free and you will get to meet us and help create the artwork." 

Singer Feargal Sharkey OBE, Plume Academy student Hattie Phillips, and Dr Robin Price from Anglian Water. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

Last year, Hattie joined a panel attended by environmentalist Feargal Sharkey to discuss the future of the River Chelmer and the Blackwater Estuary. Following the meeting, the Plume Academy student asked Dr Robin Price, Director of Quality and Environment at Anglian Water, to speak to students about the company's work. 

At the time, Carl Wakefield, former Executive Principal at Plume Academy, told Nub News: "It's with immense pride that I listened to yet another powerful, passionate, and fact-based speech from our own student, who speaks well beyond her years." 

Tickets for the eARTh launch event on Sunday can be booked for free via Eventbrite. 

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