THE WALLS of Oswestry Memorial Hall are lined with 104 inspirational women to celebrate this year's Heritage Open Days.

Oswestry Town Museum is hosting the Wall of Women which showcases the stories of women who have made a difference to the town.

Among some of the women on the walls include Guinevere, the wife of King Arthur, town mayor Sandy Best and Advertizer reporter Emily Lloyd.

The display was officially opened in front of a packed Memorial Hall by Barbara Andrew, the granddaughter of suffragette Thirza Cove, who said it was an absolute honour to be asked to open the wall.

"I've never been to Oswestry before, but when I was asked to open the Wall of Women I jumped at the chance," she said.

"It's a brilliant celebration of such a range of women and each woman has an interesting story behind them. It's a great idea that has taken a lot of effort, it's very simple but successful."

Curator of the town museum and the organiser of the Heritage Open Days, Mark Hignett, said he was thrilled with how the display had turned out.

"It's been a manic few days, a lot of work but it's absolutely worth it," he said.

"The national idea for this project was to find four or five women – Oswestry has gone better and found 101."

The 100 women represent 100 years since 40 per cent of women were given the vote, and the extra one goes to show that the fight for parity still goes on.

"We actually have 104 women on the walls who were interviewed by Sarah Cox," continued Mark.

"There were 128 women nominated and 10 declined to be on the walls. But since we closed the nominations, another 30 women names have been sent to us.

"This will help towards next year's project, where I hope to get 1,001 women on the wall."

Mayor of Oswestry, Councillor Sandy Best was also on hand to start proceedings.

"When Mark first told me he was going to put stories of 101 women on the wall, I thought that it would be a challenge," said Cllr Best.

"But he's done it and it's amazing. I recognise so many women and those I don't, I get the chance to learn about.

"This is all about the great women of Oswestry and as the first female and first openly gay mayor, this is a real honour for me to be a part of."