Women of different nationalities and faiths were last night joined by husbands, sons and brothers at City Hall as they came together to celebrate women's contribution to family and charity life.

The Worldly Women and Wellbeing event was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Jenny Lay, and was attended by men and women from all over the world.

The women wore their colourful traditional dresses with pride, including Lithuanians, Bulgarians, Russians, Africans, Portuguese, Italian, Indian, Bangladeshi and Singaporean. Women of various faiths were there too, including Hindus, Muslims, Jews and Christians.

As part of the event, three awards were presented by organisers Norwich Mind Community Development Workers (CDW).

The women of the senior management team at Norwich Mind were recognised for their tireless commitment to ensuring that the charity runs efficiently and effectively.

Three volunteers who have for many years, given graciously of their time and resources to Norwich Mind were recognised and three powerful women – dubbed as 'change champions' who are said to be making a large and lasting impact in their respective professions – were rewarded. They were Maggie Wheeler, chair of Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust, Yvonne Mason, former managing director of Fendercare and now founder of the Mason Trust, Cherry Crowley, former head teacher of Flegg High School and Founder of RISE Young Leaders, and Tonia Mihill, who is currently working as a youth counsellor with the Mancroft Project. The event formed part of yesterday's International Women's Day.