NOMINATIONS are wanted for a special award to be presented at a celebration of Farnworth suffragette Mary Barnes.

And performers of all types are also needed for the fun day being held at Farnworth Park on May 5 to recognise the town’s women’s rights campaigner.

It coincides with 100 years since some women were first given the vote.

And to mark the event the inaugural Mary Barnes Inspiring Woman of Farnworth Award will be given to a Farnworth woman who is making a difference to the lives of the town’s families.

Nominees must live in Farnworth and be having a positive impact on children and families who live in the town.

Cllr Jean Gillies, part of the organising committe, said: “That’s what Mary Barnes did, she got children out of work and into education, she changed the way things were moving and brought things into the 20th century well before its time.”

And Cllr Gillies says there is no shortage of women in the town deserving of the honour.

She said: “There are a vast amount of women in Farnworth who I have worked with I would love to nominate but I can’t But there are so many who do amazing work and contribute to the wellbeing of women — and boys. It’s not just about women, it’s about having an impact on children’s lives, and youths as well, but it has to be a woman, as that’s what the criteria is.

“I could name five off the top of my head who would be deserving of reward, who do it for the love of it. And some do it in a work capacity but they go the extra mile at work, they go over and above what’s in their job description.”

The event is billed as a fun day, and while it centres on celebrating Farnworth’s Mary Barnes, the whole borough is invited to come along and enjoy the day.

She is one of seven women from Bolton area named in a list of 100 suffragette pioneers compiled by suffrage-pioneers.net

Cllr Gillies is calling on dance troupes, local bands, singers and entertainers of to make the event a success. Community groups who wish to run stalls or gazebos are also needed. She said: “It’s going to be fantastic it’s something Farnworth desperately needs and something we have worked really hard to pull together.”

To nominate an inspiring woman, book a place on stage or a stall contact Cllr Gillies on 01204 332131 or jean.gillies@bolton.gov.uk