ONE of Burnley's most famous sons was brought back to life in a bid to boost Friends of the Earth's campaign on climate change.

Sir Richard Towneley, who began the science of meteorology more than 300 years ago, was among a number of guest speakers at an event discussing the threat posed by changes in the environment.

The actor playing Sir Richard wore full period dress as he spoke passionately about climate change.

An audience of 300 people heard his words at the Burnley Town Hall event which also saw talks from local MP Kitty Ussher, environmentalist Stephen Taylor and Nick Rau from the national branch of Friends of the Earth.

Co-ordinator of the Burnley group, Avril Hesson, joked: "Sir Richard was the man who invented the science of meteorology and he was the first person who scientifically measured the rain.

"Knowing this I got in touch with him and asked if he'd like to come along!"

Friends of the Earth is campaigning for a change in the law in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by three per cent year on year.

And Avril stressed that local people could have an impact, despite climate change being a global issue.

She added: "We can make a difference. After 20 years the hole in the ozone layer has stabilised and it is hoped it will repair itself - this happened because we stopped using CFCs in our fridges and spray-cans. That didn't hurt did it? The weather here recently has given us all a lot to grumble about, but the problem of climate change is much bigger than a tree blowing down in Briercliffe, or a wash-out of an August. It affects all our futures."

Ms Ussher, who has campaigned from the back benches in Parliament for action to be taken to tackle the issue more effectively, said: "I don't think this is a marginal activity.

"It's something that is very much a 21st century issue and we can't go on another 10 or 20 years and then look back and say this was something we should have considered.

"We don't have any choice on climate change. Something has to be done."