THE life and work of former Redditch mayor and councillor Pat Witherspoon was celebrated at a special International Women’s Day event.

Redditch Labour Women held a celebratory afternoon tea on March 12 to mark the day which was also a celebration of former mayor and councillor Pat Witherspoon, who was presented with flowers and certificate in recognition of how she has worked to help women in Redditch.

Accepting her award, Pat said: “I am feeling extremely humbled to have received such an honour today but really it's not about me. All I am is a tool of the women who went before me, the women of today having to still fight for equality, and the women to come.

“We will always be more than equal . I am me, you are you, I am you, you are me. Together we are awesome. Thank you all for your love and friendship."

As well as serving Redditch as a councillor and mayor, Pat raised thousands of pounds for Redditch Mental Health Action group and Dementia Friends and worked with the twinning association to link Redditch with Auxerre, Gruchet and Mtwara.

She also supported local community groups including Batchley Support Group and Church Hill Big Local.

Juliet Barker Smith, women’s officer at Redditch Labour, said: "It was a privilege to be part of not only the hard working team of women that pulled this event together, but also to stand and celebrate International Women's Day with such amazing pillars of the town.

“Women who have supported the vulnerable, women who have overcome or are fighting illness with incredible grace, musicians, political figures, medical professionals and educators amongst many others, it was an honour to be with them that afternoon."

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Endometriosis UK, Ahead of Well-Being and the Redi Centre.