A team of volunteers from Cumbria has won a national award for their work to address gender balance in the nuclear industry.

WiN Cumbria was named best regional team at the annual Women in Nuclear (WiN) UK conference in London.

The team was praised by WiN UK president Jack Gritt for establishing a powerful community of local organisations and individuals working together to achieve gender diversity within the Cumbrian workforce.

Claire Gallery-Strong, chair of WiN Cumbria, said: “We are completely overwhelmed by this award after what has been a whirlwind year since our launch in March 2018.

“We have a fantastic group of dedicated volunteers giving up their own time to ensure we progress in creating an inclusive and fair environment that helps attract, retain and build a diverse workforce of the future, for Cumbria and the UK.

“I’d like to thank our employers and advocates, who have shown an incredible amount of support."

“From building an influential community of businesses, individuals and advocates, providing training and mentoring, leading campaigns across the county to enhance visibility of role models, helping host the iconic suffrage flag and supporting the community when in need – we feel WiN Cumbria has become an integral part of Cumbrian industry.

“We look forward to continuing our mission to create an inclusive and fair environment that helps attract, retain and build a diverse workforce of the future, for Cumbria and the UK.”

WiN UK’s mission is to address the industry’s gender balance, to improve the representation of women in leadership, and to engage with the public on nuclear issues.

The group is set to hold its first birthday bash on March 8 – International Women's Day – at Energus, Lillyhall.

Copeland MP , Trudy Harrison said: “I am absolutely delighted that the WiN Cumbria team is being recognised for their vital work to improve gender balance in industry.

“I met with members of the team before the conference and the energy and passion they have for their mission is phenomenal.

“In just a year they are already provided a national platform for our region as a vital contributor to the UK economy, and I look forward to continuing my work with them to build on this momentum.”