The gathering included funeral directors, an embalmer, a painter and decorator, a locksmith, a fire fighter, a Royal Mail worker, a celebrant, two police officers and Darlington FC volunteers Linda Armstrong and Lynne Norrie.

Journalists from The Northern Echo, including editor Hannah Chapman, also took part.

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The gathering was organised by Vikki Lazenby, of Co-op Funeralcare, who said: "It's important to celebrate the diversity, and opportunity our town offers to our aspiring next generation, and also recognise how far we have come as a community and society in this century."

International Women's Day, on March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Ms Chapman said: "It was inspiring to see the range of careers represented and well done to Vikki for bringing us all together to show that any path is available to youngsters, no matter what their gender."