FIVE of the most powerful women in York took centre stage in a Loose Women-style panel event to celebrate International Women’s Week.

Taking place at the Explore York Library, the event was a chance for members of the audience to quiz the women on everything from the economy and politics, to women in the workplace and “what is happiness?”

The panel included Kersten England, chief executive of the City of York Council and first woman to head the council, Fiona Williams, head of libraries, archives and digital inclusion across the council, Julie Gunnell, Labour councillor for Micklegate Ward, Janet Barnes, chief executive of York Museums Trust, and Gill Cooper, head of arts, culture and heritage at City of York Council.

As only one of the 78 events staged across the city in conjunction with the York 800 celebrations, the panel show – based on the format of the television programme Loose Women – was part of the biggest Women’s Week celebrations in York to date.

Rose Berl, a retired teacher who attended the event, said: “They were all very powerful ladies and it gave us lots of food for thought,” she said.

“All of them were very successful in areas where it is hard for women to succeed so it was interesting to see how they got there.”

Co-ordinator, Sue Lister, believes the week is important as it is a celebration of contribution of women in the world, and highlights women’s issues.

“Women are caring people, and with the increasing amount of violence in the world, if they were given the chance to play more of a part, the world would be a more peaceful place. Women’s Week gives us the chance to show just what we can do, if given the chance.”

York International Women’s Week events are running until tomorrow across the city. To find out more, visit yorkwomen.org.uk