A WINCHESTER school looked to inspire the female leaders of the future as it invited more than 200 girls to a special conference.

St Swithun's School introduced pupils from across the south east to different styles of leadership with talks from 12 women in health, law and human resources.

The 220 girls were welcomed with a talk by Joanna Kane, co-author of The Suited Hippy And The Stress Junkie, a novel containing advice for ambitious women.

The event, organised by the Girls' School Association, also included drumming workshops and teambuilding exercises.

Headmistress Jane Gandee said β€œIt is important for young women to understand that leadership isn't about being a perfect person or a chief executive, but about making a difference, and that can be achieved at any age whatever your status or stage of life.”