Sir David Attenborough to make climate change plea

The celebrated naturalist and broadcaster, Sir David Attenborough, is to be the guest of honour at the annual People’s Postcode Lottery charity gala in Edinburgh in March.

Sir David is expected to use the event to make an impassioned plea for urgent action to be taken to protect biodiversity and fight climate change.

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery, which is headquartered in Edinburgh, have raised more than half a billion pounds for charities and good causes, many of which have an environmental focus.

Sir David said: “I would like to extend my thanks to the players of People's Postcode Lottery for the remarkable contribution they make to conservation and other charitable causes, which has totalled more than £500 million - a truly staggering amount.

"As a vice-president of Fauna & Flora International, one of the many charities that benefit from players' support, I understand very well just what this support means for our planet's most threatened species and ecosystems."

The Postcode Lottery Charity Gala is recognised as one of the highlights of the charity calendar. Last year, George and Amal Clooney attended the event, where they each received a Postcode Hero award in recognition of their work to protect human rights.

The event will be held at Edinburgh University’s McEwan Hall and the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street on 11 March.

The Managing Director of People’s Postcode Lottery, Clara Govier, said: “Over the decades, Sir David has inspired generations of us to safeguard biodiversity and protect the planet.

“We are delighted that he will be joining us in Edinburgh early next year – Sir David’s message is more important than ever.”

The Charity Gala will be attended by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and representatives of some of the 7,500 charities and good causes which have benefitted from player funding since 2005.