MONMOUTH Women's Festival has been celebrating the achievements of women with events which end on Saturday 14th March.

Sponsored by Monmouth Town Council, Monmouth School Sports Club and Spire, a hospital in Cardiff, the launch last Friday at Monmouth Museum supported Home-Start Monmouthshire, an independent registered charity that supports struggling families, with at least one child under five, living in the county.

Guests were welcomed by chairwoman Adele Glenn and she explained that Sunday 8th March, was International Women's Day.

The aim of the festival is to raise awareness of issues relating to women locally and internationally.

A global coffee morning was held at the Shire Hall on Sunday 8th March and they linked up with other women celebrating the day "in this country and across the world."

Adele explained that this year's focus was on inspiring the next generation, saying: "We really value the support we have had from Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls – Mrs Pascoe has been incredibly supportive."

The varied programme includes a free swim clinic, a town walk and a kitchen demonstration.

The week ends with a "good belly-laugh" by Mrs Nice at the Shire Hall on Saturday 14th March at 7pm.

Tickets cost £8 and can be bought online or at Rossiter Books.

For more details of the events to come go to http://www.monmouthwomens">www.monmouthwomens

festival.com/events