A NEW network group launched a month ago is already helping young women achieve their goals.

Cheshire SWAGS (Strong Women and Girls) was set up by Rachel Farrington-Allen, from Appleton and Lara Oakes, from Sandymoor, who share a 25-year friendship.

In September the pair started an events planning company and discovered they were meeting inspiring women at every turn.

Rachel, 41, said: “It’s a female industry and we felt very passionate about how we could work together to grow and co-ordinate our businesses. We decided to set up Cheshire SWAGS to help connect women across the area.

“For us, 2018 won’t just be the year of the woman, it will be the year of collaborative women.

“With the 100-year anniversary of women achieving the right to vote, it feels like we need do something to celebrate being strong women and girls.”

The group was set up three weeks ago but already has 70 businesses on board including The Bridal Lounge in Cuddington, near Northwich.

Owner Sara Jones needed photographs of her latest prom dresses so the group organised a photo shoot at the Saracens Head pub, in Wilderspool Causeway.

Lara, 48, said: “We have been able to offer free portfolio work for the models, the make-up artist, photographer and bridal shop.

“It’s often hard for young girls starting out to showcase their work without being charged hundreds in fees, but SWAGS allows everyone to come together and benefit, for free.”

Rachel added: “The venues offering their space recognise that community spirit is not as prominent as it should be, and we really need to make sure we work together and support each other.

“Although there are people in the Cheshire SWAGS who are in direct competition with each other, we can all grow our businesses if we work together.”

Lara and Rachel are also planning a mentoring programme which welcomes both men and women.

Priestley College student Evie Grace photographed the prom dress shoot, giving her the opportunity to build up her portfolio and contacts.

Evie said: “This helps showcase my photos for any potential clients and it will also help with my university application. It’s hard to get work like this because people just want photographers who have got loads of experience already, so students don’t really get much chance to gain experience themselves.”

Model Meg Bradley, 17, from Stockton Heath, added: “I’m currently studying at LIPA and looking to join a modelling agency and so these pictures will help broaden my horizons and enhance my portfolio.”

SWAGS has a programme of events planned this year, including raising funds for The Fawcett Society, which supports women who have been victims of domestic violence. Rachel and Lara are also hoping media students from the town will be able to get involved in upcoming video shoots.

Lara added: “We are passionate about education and getting students an opportunity to do something a little bit different.”