A new group has been launched to support women in work in Cumbria and Lancashire.

Women in Property in Cumbria is organising seminars to give women a forum for professional development.

Its first event was held at Carlisle Lake District Airport this week.

The speaker was Kate Willard, director of partnership development at Stobart Group.

She told the audience about her career and the airport's development, following the launch of commercial flights on July 4.

The next breakfast seminar will be in Penrith on January 22, when Jo Lappin, chief executive of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, will be the speaker.

Mrs Willard said: “I was delighted to launch the Women in Property breakfast seminar series at Carlisle Lake District Airport, which continues to establish itself as a business hub for the Cumbria and Lake District region.

"It was great to see so many enthusiastic and inspiring women and men from across the region. I would like to thank Women in Property and wish them all the best for the rest of the series.”

Jayne Garbutt, WiP committee member, added: “As a group, we were delighted when Kate agreed to launch our breakfast events. The airport is a great asset to the area and the team there are just as passionate about its future success as Kate!"