A women’s group in Burnley has been working to keep an iconic roleplaying game alive.

The iconic Dungeons & Dragons game began 50 years ago.

And in the past five years, more than 11,000 people have attended events where the game is played across the UK.

Women Who D&D is a group run in Burnley by Kirsty Lauder and Amy Goldslack.

The game began as tabletop fantasy in 1974 but has since grown into computer games, merchandise, books and movies.

Ms Lauder runs a monthly workshop for women and non-binary people to help teach them the basics of D&D.

She said: “Dungeons and Dragons, for us, has been an incredible tool for meeting new people and building a community.

“Women Who D&D is passionate about bringing people from all walks of life to the game table who thought they didn't previously have a place. As we've introduced the game to more and more women, fem presenting, and non-binary people through our games and workshops, an amazing community has been born from it of fem players of varying skill levels wanting to get involved and lend support to people wherever it's needed.”

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Katie Dwyer from Preston has attended a Women Who D&D workshop.

She said: “The previous group I played in was in a pub and full of males I didn’t know, so it was difficult to muster up the confidence to attend. Then somebody told me about Women Who D&D and I thought I’d give it a shot. It was fantastic to meet such a diverse group of women enjoying the game.

“I love games with more combat and dice rolling than getting dressed up. For me, it’s about being immersive and in the moment.

“I’d never heard of Dungeons & Dragons until five years ago when I saw the game on Big Bang Theory and Stranger Things.

"I had always thought it was too geeky for me but I got over myself. I went to a workshop for beginners that opened my eyes.

"Regardless of your age, background, job or personality, Dungeons & Dragons sessions provide a place to be able to tell a story and play a game without being judged. I’m currently in three campaigns and outside of work I spend half my week doing something D&D.”