A day aimed at advancing the lives of young girls around the world has been celebrated by a local team supporting the cause during an event at the Forum in Norwich.

International Day of the Girl is a global event supported annually by the United Nations and the Norwich branch pledged their support by organising an exhibition of art and media work in the Atrium.

There was also a special one day celebratory conference and workshop aimed for high school students in the Curve with sessions lead by teachers and academics from the University of East Anglia.

Co-organiser Sarah Godfrey, a UEA lecturer in film and tv, has been supporting the event since it began in 2011, with Tori Cann.

She said: 'The event focuses on the problems facings girls, not only globally, but also locally. It's also about getting boys involved and a quarter of the work we've displayed has been created by boys.

'The types of problems facing girls include body image and media representation, as well as the more global issues.'

The Norwich branch works with schools, colleges, community and youth groups across Norfolk to run a series of events to celebrate the day.

And it recently secured funding from the UEA and other local organisations to help put on today's (Friday) event.

Now the group hopes to involve more communities from around the county to see the work they do grow and help with plans for next year.

Ms Godfrey said: 'We want young people from all over Norfolk to set up a series of committees that will steer the event for next year and in years to come.

'If you would like to be a part of this then ask your teacher to get in touch with us, or contact us directly.'

• For more information or to get involved with the Norwich celebrations of the International Day of the Girl email dayofthegirlnorwich@gmail.com or visit www.dayofthegirlnorwich.org.