A special event to celebrate working women and encourage the next generation of businesswomen was organised by Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) as part of International Women’s Day.

Five successful women attended the event to pass on motivational messages and raise ambition among a group of 40 students.

The women in attendance were Rowena Sellens, of Lucite International, Lory Barreau, of Business Vector Ltd, Amanda Meachin, of Community and Business Partners, Carole Garrette, of Profitoptimiser Ltd, and Amanda Jackson of Tigerfish PR.

Amanda Meachin, who is chief executive at Community and Business Partners, said: “The event was a great success.

“I wanted to see if I could help these young girls to achieve the best they can.

“I told them not to be scared to challenge themselves because I wish I had been told that when I was their age.”

Katherine Taylor, manager of Darwen Creates, which organised the event, said: “I would like to say a big thank-you on behalf of DACA to all the women who took part in the event.

“It is fantastic to have the support of local businesses and to highlight the career options available to young people in Darwen.”