A COMMUNITY-minded Andover councillor was recognised for her 'suffragette spirit' on International Women's Day.

Councillor Iris Andersen, who represents Andover St Marys ward, has been placed on a map of inspirational women compiled by Amnesty International.

It was 100 years ago some British women won the right to vote and Amnesty has marked the occasion by showing the suffragette spirit is alive and well in the UK today by teaming up with newspapers, including the Andover Advertiser, to seek out those women keeping the flame burning.

The charity called on people to nominate women who are fighting for human rights and has placed them on an interactive map.

On news of her nomination, cllr Andersen said: "I feel very proud and very honoured, I'm a fighter as a woman. Plus the fact it is great for us women.

"I feel very strongly about the things that I do, that is what it is about.

"I'm here to support the people because you are their voice."

On seeing the map, Helen Pankhurst, great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst and granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst, who founded the Suffragette movement said: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, there is no better time to launch this map and push these incredible women into the spotlight to be praised and recognised for their work.

“I imagine if the suffrage campaigners of old, including my great-grandmother Emmeline and grandmother Sylvia, could see Amnesty’s map, they would be extraordinarily moved.

"Because while together they helped set a precedent for women taking action, I doubt they would have known what their irrepressible drive and attitude would resonate 100 years later – and give visibility to women who are standing up and promoting human rights in such a varied and all-encompassing way.”