THE deadline to nominate amazing women in East Lancashire who are showing the Suffragette spirit has been extended.

Lancashire has a proud history when it comes to the Suffragettes and the fight for women to be given the vote.

To celebrate this we want readers to nominate women in East Lancashire who are still showing that Suffragette spirit today.

East Lancashire women in politics, sport and TV have reflected on their biggest female inspirations on the 100th anniversary of the women’s right to vote.

Julie Cooper, Burnley and Padiham MP since 2015, nominated her mum as her biggest influence: “She always told me that I could be anything that I wanted to be and that I was never second best to any man.”

The Labour politician also credits fellow party MP for Camberwell and Peckham, Harriet Harman, who has supported her in giving a voice to the young women of Burnley.

Julie attended the shadow cabinet meeting at the Museum of London’s Suffragette Exhibition yesterday and is ‘extremely proud’ to be part of the one third of female MPs in Parliament today.

Clitheroe cricketer Alexandra Hartley said her biggest achievement was winning the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup and hoped it encourages a young generation of women to take up cricket.

The 24-year-old has always looked up to Baroness Rachael Hayhoe Flint for paving the way for female athletes.

“She was a pioneer of the sport and made it possible for me to be where I am today,” added Alexandra.

Labour MP for Blackburn Kate Hollern, said: “My grandmother and mother always taught me to be fair and just and if I work hard, I can achieve great things.

“People lost their lives to achieve the vote – women were sent to prison and force fed just for the right to vote. It’s so important.”

To nominate an amazing woman your local area, visit amnesty.org.uk/suffragettespirit.

All women must have carried out work to help others in their local area within the last 10 years. All successful nominees will be contacted to give consent prior to being placed on the Suffragette Spirit Map of Britain. The deadline is February 26.