Greater Manchester's mayoral candidates tackled the issues affecting the region's women in a hustings debate tonight.

Labour's Andy Burnham, Conservative Sean Anstee, Liberal Democrat candidate Jane Brophy, UKIP's Shneur Odze, Will Patterson of the Green Party, and English Democrat Stephen Morris took part in the debate - organised by the Women's Equality Party to mark International Women's Day.

Jo Heathcote, leader of the Women's Equality Party in Manchester said that the hustings had proved successful in getting the candidates to engage with issues such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, and equality in the workplace.

The former Turton High School teacher said: "I am pleased that the candidates came and engaged with the debate.

"I got the sense that we can work and engage with whoever wins the mayoral election. This was a respectful and positive debate and I think that paves the way for a good working relationship for us.

"If they don't follow through on what they have said tonight, then we will be there challenging them next time."

Mr Burnham said that the region has a "traditional macho culture" and that now is the time to fundamentally change the status of women in Greater Manchester.

He added: "We aren't as forward-thinking as we need to be. This is a moment in time. If we are going to change the status of women and girls then it has to be now."

Mr Anstee, the leader of Trafford Council, told the audience in Salford that he would work with the WEP to bring forward a new charter for employers in order to change attitudes towards women at work.

UKIP's Mr Odze said that stopping the closure of police custody suites - such as the one at Bolton's Scholey Street station - was among the measures needed to make streets safer and tackle violent crimes against women.

Mr Morris also suggested setting up a police task force as well as stressing the need to reduce child poverty, while Ms Brophy said she was particularly concerned about the life prospects of girls growing up in the region's most deprived areas.

Green candidate Mr Patterson said that the mayoral role would demand consensus and cooperation, and that Greater Manchester should not be afraid of lobbying Westminster for a "fair share" of funding.

For more on the hustings, see The Bolton News on Friday.