AWARDS which recognise inspirational women across Lancashire and the North-west are being extended to the rest of the country and the rest of the world for 2021.

In the first week of opening for nominations, the She Inspires Awards have received more than 120 nominations including from as far afield as Australia.

The seventh annual awards are beiing held at Bolton Whites Hotel on November 25. They were originally started by Gulnaz Brennan through the Women in Neighbourhoods’ movement to honour women across the borough in every area of life.

They have grown each year although last year had to be held virtually because of the pandemic and were staged at the University of Bolton.

The success story continued and the awards were watched in more than 50 countries with over 3,000 views as Strictly Come Dancing winner Kelvin Fletcher presented the event.

Some of the country’s most high-profile women were also speakers,  including Baroness Trish Morris and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi.

This year’s event promises to be equally prestigious but with six of the 18 categories now opened up nationally and globally. These include the Culture Champion Award, the Rising Star Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Stated Mrs Brennan: “We cannot wait to celebrate inspiring women of our town and elsewhere, highlighting stories of achievement, compassion and courage.”

The awards recognise achievement by women in all areas of life including business, education, social care and the voluntary sector.

To nominate individuals, go to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SheInspiresNominate 

Caption 1: She Inspires Awards’ organiser Gulnaz Brennan