ISLE of Wight residents will have a new way to express their views on environmental issues with the launch of a series of workshops entitled My Planet My Voice.

The workshops will enable people to explore ways in which they can voice their environmental concerns, influence policy makers and inspire others to take action.

Organised by Solent social enterprise, Planet Aware, the workshops have been made possible through a successful bid to the Lush Community Fund.

People of all ages will have the opportunity to use song, poetry, art, traditional letter writing, video and other creative means to express how they feel about the challenges we and our planet face ­— and to call for change.

The first event will be a two-part song writing workshop led by award-winning songwriter and performer, Glenn Koppany, at the Bar 74 in Ryde on Saturday.

A follow-up workshop will run on December 12, and further planned workshops include a family based storytelling event and informal letter writing.

Sarah Marshall of Planet Aware said: "We are excited to have received this funding from Lush, which will enable us to work with people in creative ways so they can realise the power of the individual in creating change.

"Environmental problems can often seem overwhelming, but we need to continue to voice our concerns for the future.”

Groups that are keen to host a letter writing or similar event are encouraged to contact Planet Aware.

“We look forward to hearing from anyone who is keen to add their creativity to the project,” said Sarah.