MORE than 60 people joined together to celebrate 100 years of votes for women with a special Equalitea event at Malvern St James.

Held at Malvern St James school and organised by Malvern Hills District Council, the event brought together 40 of the school's Year Nine pupils and 25 residents and councillors gathered for an afternoon of tea, cake, talks and debate.

Guest speakers Dr Luke Devine and Alice Mason from the University of Worcester gave a talk on feminism, suffrage and equality.

Visitors also enjoyed an exhibition from Malvern Museum and the Hive on Malvern’s own prominent suffragette Elsie Howey.

MP Harriett Baldwin said: “It was good to see many young people engaged by current affairs and it is clear to me that issues like the environment, education and health are top of their list too.

“It would be great to think that one or more of the young women gathered in the room felt inspired to go on and speak up for their generation by standing for election either locally or nationally.”

District council chairman Andrea Morgan said: “It was wonderful to see so many people attend our event. No matter your age, gender or political background, it is important to remember and commemorate the people who campaigned tirelessly to secure equal voting rights.”