YOUNG women in politics will be the focus of a recently revived gala event.
The Durham Women's Gala, which was an annual event for many years, is being staged again this year after being revived to mark the 2018 centenary of women's suffrage.
Organisers say this year's event, which takes place on Saturday, will focus on young women and their role in politics.
Maura McKeon, who is a member of Durham County Council, said: βItβs never too early to get involved in politics. When I decided to run for the council, there were definitely people who wrote me off because I am young and a woman, but everybody makes a unique contribution to the debate, and as young women we bring something that no-one else can.β
The organisers of last year's Durham Women's Gala
It takes place at Wharton Park, in Durham, from 11am to 4pm and entry is free.
The event includes speeches from speakers including shadow Attorney General, Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird and young feminist campaigners from Tyneside to Teesside.
There will be a full day of entertainment with live music from North-East female artists including Channy Thompson, girl band Melody 5 and Jessie Dale.
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