THE stories of 100 inspirational women from across Bolton and beyond will be given a new platform.

Dozens of people are expected to gather at The Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa to celebrate 100 outstanding women.

They will hear from five guest speakers during a panel discussion, ‘Being a Role Model — The Promise and the Peril’, including renowned painter, author and children's illustrator Patsy Allen.

The event on Thursday has been organised by award-winning entrepreneur Gulnaz Brennan to launch her new book — 100 Women Stories.

Mrs Brennan, who lives and works in Bolton, and who organises the annual Inspire Awards, said: "It is amazing to finally launch this book and to bring all these fantastic women together.

"It is a privilege to share their stories. I am honoured that they have trusted me with them.

"The book tells so many fantastic stories, including that of Patsy Allen, a woman who is heavily dyslexic and cannot spell her own name yet who has become a best-selling author."

The 10-month writing project, which began in June last year, saw Mrs Brennan meet face to face with each of the 100 women who features in her book.

The publication features between 20 and 30 women from Bolton, including Fortalice chief executive Gill Smallwood, former Mayoress Gay Wharton, Bolton Council leader Linda Thomas, who will speak at the event, and Nila Raja of House of Raja's.

Mrs Brennan added: "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Liz Blackmore, from Last Drop, for her unwavering support, and to Last Drop for sponsoring the entire event, as well as to my team who have supported me."

Visitors are invited to The Last Drop between 11am and 1pm on Thursday.

Copies of 100 Women Stories will be available for purchase, at £24.99, at the event, or from the House of Raja's.