The region's top business women took part in an event celebrating leadership.

Women in Leadership, hosted by Copeland MP Jamie Reed, saw around 100 girls of all year groups from St Benedict's, West Lakes Academy and Whitehaven Academy.

Held at Whitehaven Civic Hall, the event promoted equal opportunities and top female roles in a host of sectors.

The students took part in talks, activities and a question and answer sessions with inspirational women in leadership roles.

Aimed at addressing the gender gap in business, politics, academia and industry, the event was the first of its kind.

Mr Reed said he hoped it would have the potential to become a valuable networking opportunity for local young women.

The gender pay gap is an issue that Mr Reed spoke out about last year when figures revealed that men working in Copeland earn on average 28 per cent more than women each week.

Nuclear engineer and scientist Dame Sue Ion, of Sellafield, spoke at the event, held on Friday.

She said: "I didn't feel my career was made more difficult by being a woman. At the time I was looking to start a career, the nuclear industry was a very exciting place to be.

"My colleagues were all male but it was not something that phased me."

Fellow Sellafield colleague Dr Rebecca Weston, technical director at the firm, also spoke to the students and added: "Do not be constrained by other people's views of you. Do not be diverted from your course.

"You can succeed in these sectors if you strive to achieve in them."

Other speakers included Rachel Holliday, founder of Time to Change West Cumbria, Kathryn Temple, founder of the Happiness Foundation, local GP Dr Fiona Ironside, Simone Roche, of Northern power Women, the UK's youngest female mayor Rosie Corrigan, and Luciana Berger, Liverpool MP and former shadow minister for health.

During the day, the girls were involved in networking opportunities, CV workshops and exhibitions from West Cumbrian employers, education providers, and community groups.

Mr Reed said: "I am absolutely delighted to be hosting the Women in Leadership event and I have no doubt that our line up of incredible women will inspire the audience of local young women.

"It is unacceptable that we are living with such a wide gender pay gap in Copeland and I continue to call upon Government to tackle the issue.

"As Copeland’s local Member of Parliament, I believe it important to use my role to support our young people wherever possible, so that they may achieve their full potential.

"I have been influenced by inspirational women all my life and by working with local young people and businesses, I hope to help women achieve their full potential."