An Extinction Rebellion protest in Welwyn Garden City forced an insurer to close its branch in the town, with campaigners calling on staff to be "climate heroes".

From 10am last Saturday (November 2), campaigners from the environmental group set up outside the Howden Insurance branch in Stonehills, claiming the insurer backs new and existing oil, gas and coal projects.

The protest forced the branch, which is normally open from 9am to 12 noon on Saturdays, to remain closed for the day.

Despite the absence of staff, Extinction Rebellion were still keen to get their message across, calling a member of staff and urging them to become "climate heroes" by speaking up.

"Although the member of staff declined to engage in conversation, they were informed that leaflets would be posted through the letter box as they could not be handed directly to staff, and they were encouraged to discuss the issue with colleagues," said an Extinction Rebellion spokesperson.

"An invitation was also extended to all Howdens staff to attend a webinar about how insurance can tackle the climate crisis.

"They were also invited to be climate heroes, by using their influence within the company. It was emphasised that insurance companies had a powerful influence on fossil fuel emissions, because without insurance fossil fuel companies could not operate.

"The protesters engaged with the public, informing them about Howden's support for the fossil fuels industry. They also signed up new members to the group."