The University of Chester have recently tightened its links with Soroptimist International, a global organisation committed to empowering women and girls.

This relationship has been nurtured over two recent visits.

In a meeting with the international group, academics from the university discussed how to make Cheshire more age-friendly.

Professor Paul Kingston and Dr Jan Blain from the University's Centre for Ageing and Mental Health shared their current projects with the Soroptimist International Chester club.

A separate visit saw Prof Kingston host members of the Cambodian Phnom Penh Soroptimist International club, alongside Anne MacDonald and Joy Roberts of the Chester Soroptimist branch.

The tour around the university's Exton Park site included research from the Centre for Ageing and Mental Health, Deans of Chester Business School and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eunice Simmons.

A global volunteer initiative, Soroptimist International (SI) aims to change the lives of women and girls across the world.

Their approximately 66,000 members across 120 countries work diligently to create opportunities at a local, national and international level to further 'educate, empower and enable' women and girls.

Regarding the visits, Prof Kingston said: "This was a great opportunity to share our work with such an important international organisation and show them the work the University is doing in Cheshire to improve the lives of older people in the county.

"We also enjoyed the opportunity to welcome members to one of our sites to reflect, in particular, the 'educate' part of the Soroptimist mission."

Ms MacDonald of the Chester Soroptimist club also expressed appreciation for the visit to the University, as she said: "We are extremely grateful to Professor Paul Kingston and colleagues for the talk at the club meeting and for organising a tour of the University for six members of Soroptimist International, Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

"Their visit to Chester was part of an educational programme."

She also mentioned that the visiting members were impressed by the school's library, the School of Natural Sciences and the lecture theatre, and as a result are planning to establish a Soroptimist club at Norton University in Phnom Penh.

She suggested that with the ongoing support of Chester members, a new campus club may also be founded in Chester.

More details about Soroptimist International of Chester are available at their website: www.sigbi.org/chester.