DOMESTIC violence, women's rights, career opportunities and local issues were on the agenda of Preston's International Women's Day.

The event, held on Monday at the Guild Hall, attracted community groups, advice teams, education organisations and artists.

Women of different ages and cultures set up stalls to display their work, and encourage visitors to support them.

The Mayor of Preston, Councillor Rose Kinsella, opened the event on behalf of organisers Preston Borough Council, and was followed by a presentation from Sahara in Preston, who launched their Domestic Violence: Issues for Asian Women report.

The Hindu Society, Ebony and Ivory, the Polish, Czech and Slovak Association all brought tasty treats, to complement the international theme.

Those who took part in the event also contributed recipes to a book, priced at £1, which was sold to raise money for women's groups in the area.

Coun Kinsella said: "I was delighted with the support which was shown by businesses, societies and organisations in the town, who brought together their expertise - and food - to make the day a success."

Sahara in Preston's manager Seema Hanware said the group was very grateful to the council for allowing them to put on a presentation at the event.

Preston-based arts group Prescap marked the day with a billboard campaign called 'Who is she? She is me. She is you," created by Lancashire's youth and community service.

Katy Suggat and Barbara Connolly designed Preston's billboard, in Corporation Street East, Preston, and Jo Marsden and Norma Foulds created a poster for South Ribble.

Lancashire's education and cultural services committee chairman, County Councillor Hazel Harding, said: "This exciting project has involved groups of women expressing ideas about their identity through art."

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