BUSINESSWOMEN have set up their town's first female-only networking event to celebrate International Women's Day.

Sarah Scott-Stovold, who helps run car company Carterton Auto Repair, created Cocktails in Carterton after her peers confided in her they did not often like going to such events as they were dominated by men.

Mrs Scott-Stovold said: "Someone mentioned to me that it's all men in suits and can feel quite daunting for some women walking in to a room full of men.

"As Cocktails in Carterton is for women only I hope they won't find it quite so scary."

The event is being held on March 10 at 7.30pm at the Beehive pub in the town and costs £6 per person.

All women attending will receive a cocktail on arrival, as well as canapés. There will also be a raffle with prizes from local businesses.

At about 9.30pm they can then move to the Siege of Orleans pub where more cocktails will be on special offer.

The event has been launched in partnership with Carterton Chamber of Trade.

Chairman of the chamber Phil Scott said: "We have recently had an increase of members in the chamber and it is nice to see so many new businesses started up by women."

Mayor of Carterton Lynn Little spoke of her support for the town's first women-only networking group.

She said: "I’m so pleased that Sarah has started this in Carterton, she has my full support.

"New figures that have been released tell us that over 800,000 women in the UK have started their own business at home or in offices.

"I believe that we as a town should be supporting this initiative. I look forward to the attending Cocktails in Carterton and I would strongly encourage business women in West Oxfordshire to join us."

To book or for more details call 01993 842638.