A local authority boss has given a £600 grant to a charity which supports South Asian women and their families.

Hyndburn Council's Cllr Marlene Haworth has allocated the money from her special £20,000 Leader's Budget to Accrington's Awaaz group.

It followed her being invited to a meeting of the organisation to present on her own experiences and learn more about the charitable work of the organisation.

After the event at Accrington Library, also addressed by Spring Hill ward's Cllr Kimberley Whitehead, Cllr Haworth said: “It was an honour to be asked to talk about my own journey to the ladies.

"They wanted to know more about how I became the first female leader of the council and what inspired me to get involved in politics.

“I would like to thank Cllr Whitehead for attending this wonderful event too and I know we both really appreciate all the work Aawaz do for the local community.

"I am proud to confirm that £600 from this year’s leaders’ budget is being granted to Aawaz to help keep their fantastic services running, which empower women.”

An invitation for a tour of the council chambers in Accrington Town Hall has been extended to the group.