TO MARK the 100 year anniversary of the first women to achieve the vote, Bolton is commemorating its historical heroines.

Harwood Library played host to a celebration of the area's suffragettes and suffragists.

Residents were invited to learn about the 'wonder women' and discuss the progress they set in train along with the leaps still being made by women.

Other centenary events are planned for Friday to coincide with December 14, 1918 - the day the first women first exercised the right.

From 2pm til 3:30pm, Bolton's Central Library and Museum promises a tea party and short films about women's duties in the First World War. A statue of Manchester's own Emmeline Pankhurst will be revealed in St Peter's Square, while actress Maxine Peake will unveil a statue of Annie Kenney in Oldham town centre.

See tomorrow's edition for an in-depth look into the area's groundbreaking women.