YOUNGSTERS from a school in Dovercourt have listened to a series of inspirational talks to mark International Women’s Day.

Students at Harwich and Dovercourt High School heard from a trio of female speakers about their careers, challenges and hopes for the future.

Rev Kirsty Emerson, pioneer team vicar at Harwich Peninsula Churches, started the afternoon of talks, followed by an online questions and answers session with Claire Parfitt from the European Space Agency (ESA).

Students then heard from headteacher Kate Finch about her journey to leading the Hall Lane school.

The event was organised by maths teacher Catherine Farr.

She said: “We were delighted to welcome some truly inspirational speakers and we would like to thank them all for giving up their time so freely.

“Their talks were insightful and gave a real first-hand taste of the challenges and successes they have all had.”

International Women's Day is a global day held each March to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.