Many thanks to Jill Salt for submitting this article. For International Women's Day, Jill has put together a list of 10 inspiring women from Biddulph. Read more below:

Mrs Abigail Rourke

I first met Mrs Rourke when my boys went to Knypersley First School. Mrs Rourke has many achievements to make Biddulph proud. She has established the Children First Learning Partnership and is now Executive Head of 5 schools. She's led a number of these schools to become Ofsted Grade 1. Mrs Rourke is passionate, professional, incredibly hard working, a visionary and works hard for the children in our local community.

Debra Oakes

Debra Oakes is a wonderful woman. People would describe her as 'salt of the earth'. Deb is so generous with her time, helping Biddulph Youth and Community Zone; the homeless and any one else who needs her. She does it because she cares about our community. Deb must have raised hundreds of pounds for local causes by organising raffles and tombolas. She's also a great listener and many have cried on her shoulder, including myself.

Charlie Beswick

Charlie Beswick is an incredible woman. She's mum to Harry and Oliver. Harry and Oliver are twins and Harry was born with a rare condition that means life for Charlie is more of a challenge than that of most parents. Nonetheless she's written and published a book titled 'Our Altered Life', she's set up a charity called 'More Than a Face' and she's an excellent public speaker.

Sharon Bible

Sharon Bible can often be found with a paintbrush in hand. She's a teaching assistant at Knypersley First School but there's more to this lady than that. She is renowned for making the most elaborate props for school plays and festivals. She has also made many of the props for The Cancer Research Biddulph Moor Balls; making Heaton House Farm look like another world. Sharon's artistic prowess in something to behold.

Elizabeth Robinson

Elizabeth Robinson is Biddulph High School's first female Headteacher. Now that's some feat! Thousands of us have walked its corridors under the headship of a gentleman and now for the first time our young adults are being led by a lady. If that's not inspirational enough for International Women's Day – then I don't know what is! Elizabeth lives locally with her husband and their children. She's taught in Stoke schools for her whole career.

Becci Bryant

Becci Bryant is Staffordshire Fire and Rescue's Chief Fire Officer. Becci lives locally and was the first lady in the UK to have risen through the ranks from an operational firefighter to take the role. I had the privilege to hear Becci talk about her career and it's so enthusing; women can achieve anything they commit themselves to with hard work and dedication – despite obstacles in our path. So today let's celebrate that and raise each other up.

Beth Eardley

Beth Eardley is an incredible local triathlete who is also a personal trainer at Basefit in Biddulph. She is mainly found doing some kind of crazy fundraising effort on her bike. Last lockdown she cycled Route 66 and at the moment she's cycling around the world to raise money for Dementia UK.

Amy Wyatt

Amy Wyatt is one of our local pastors from Oasis Community Church. Amy is responsible for encouraging many women in our town; although she's probably unaware. Again she gifts her time in the service of others and offers words of comfort and guidance when they are most needed. She works with our younger generations too and helps to foster a kind and generous community spirit. It's a blessing to have Amy amongst us.

Hilda Sheldon

Hilda Sheldon MBE is nothing short of a local legend. Her work began over 30 years ago; she set up Biddulph in Bloom as a way of bringing back pride to our town after the loss of our industry e.g. mining and steel works. Hilda has achieved that and more. She will say that she hasn't done it alone and I would agree but, her it's her leadership that keeps it going.

Sarah Haydon

Sarah Haydon is Biddulph Town Council's Chief Officer. She has transformed and overhauled our local council into a forward thinking, professional organisation. Sarah is also a Director of the Children First Learning Partnership.

Being a woman in today's world is a tricky feat. Many would say that the glass ceiling has been shattered and there's nothing we can't do. However, as a woman myself I often feel conflicted now we've got it all.

What is my role? I often fear I'm spending too much time outside of the family home; away from my children focusing on my career and my council work and neglecting (some would say) the most important job of all – that of being a mother. For women to 'have it all' we need support networks of other men and women.

I'm lucky in that I feel incredibly supported by many wonderful women and men – but some women aren't so fortunate. So however you identify - whoever you are – let's build each other up and straighten each other's' crown. We're stronger together and I need reminding of that sometimes too.