THE COUNTRY is approaching the centenary of a historic milestone.

On December 14, 1918, the first women exercised the hard won right to vote in a general election.

100 years later, the Bolton women who led the suffragette and suffragist movements are being celebrated.

Harwood Library hosted a 'Vote 100' tea party to share the stories of the often unsung heroines born and raised in the region.

Among the tales was that of Sarah Reddish.

Born in Farnworth, she became a radical feminist figurehead and trade unionist as early as the 1880s.

Fighting for full equality, she helped to garner 30,000 signatures calling for voting rights and presented the petition to Parliament herself.

Another stand out story was that of Florrie Haslam.

Born in Bolton, she became a successful football player in the 1920s as a member of the Preston Ladies team.

She became involved in politics through the sport when the FA barred women from playing in major venues.

Florrie and the team vowed to continue playing, whatever the conditions.

Together they went on to play internationally and raise thousands for war victims through charity matches.

The research presented at the library was provided by the Wonder Woman group, who rediscovered the remarkable achievements.

"We're really grateful for the women It's people whose names you've never heard, but they've suffered," said participant Chrissie Walton.

The participants were quick to highlight that equality for women is still being fought for.

"Things for women have come a long way, but there's a lot that needs to improve in this country," said attendee Barbara Chambers.

The tea party-goers pointed out that events like Harwood Library's continue to push for progress.

"It's women helping other women and that's how things are happening. Everybody can do their part to help women reach their potential," continued Chrissie.

Organiser Jacinta Frank said the celebrations revolved around "community and commemoration."

She wanted the tea party to be "a generational event run at a time when everyone in the community could come."

Adults were entertained by suffragette crafts and quizzes, while children enjoyed dressing in twentieth century get up and learning century-old nursery rhymes.

Among other events marking the occasion this week, Bolton Central Library and Museum is holding an event explaining the role of women in the First World War on Friday.