THOSE who dedicate their lives to helping women in need gathered to mark International Women’s Day at an event in Darlington on Wednesday.

People from across the region met to celebrate the contribution women make to the community and to highlight the importance of supporting those who are vulnerable.

Ahead of a meeting of the Darlington Partnership, a number of women, community workers and representatives from charities including Harbour, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre and the town’s women’s refuge – Family Help Darlington – were invited to network at the Dolphin Centre.

Event organiser Sajna Miah said she had wanted to forge links between “various groups who give their time to empower and protect women.”

She added: “I do whatever I can to empower both women and men.

“Events have been held all over the North-East today and they are what is needed in fraught times like these, they help to give people information and bring them together.

“A lot of people who attended have helped others along the way and bringing them all together means learning can be shared.”

Cllr Cyndi Hughes welcomed those present, saying: “Those here today are helping to empower women and families to make it in life.

“I want to thank everybody for the work that has been done and I would like to encourage you in that work.

“I want to thank the mothers, grandmothers, sisters and all of those who are fighting the good fight every day, not just on International Women’s Day.”