Bristol super women of all ages, colours and creeds gathered for a ceremony to recognise their hard work and achievements.

The Women Who Make a Difference Awards is in its 10th year and recognises the great contributions from women in Bristol to the communities in which they live.

This year's ceremony took place yesterday at the Council House on College Green.

Around 100 women gathered to eat lunch and talk before sitting down to listen to speakers and see 38 women recognised for their contributions to life in Bristol.

Margaret Grey, co-chair of the Bristol Women's Forum, compered the event – and was also given an award in recognition of her own volunteer work.

Jan Ormondroyd, chief executive of Bristol City Council, spoke to the women at the event.

She said: "All women who make a difference to the lives of others have a very interesting story to tell and have often achieved things against the odds.

"It's a privilege and honour to be here with other women who have made a difference."

Kalsoom Bashir, who works on the council's community cohesion team, said at the ceremony: "You are all leading by example and effecting change for the better.

"You work hard for others at the expense of your own personal needs. That's why it's a privilege for me to be here and meet you all."

Among the winners was Paulette Blake, from St George, who has worked voluntarily for over 20 years on mentoring programmes as well as community organisations.

She said: "I have never had an award like this before and I am just really surprised. It's lovely."

Laura Welti, 51, of Easton, was honoured for her volunteer work for Bristol Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual forum to promote equality.

She said: "I was a bit embarrassed and surprised but it's a great event."

More than 40 women were nominated for this year's awards. The numbers of names put forward have grown since its launch in 1999. Some were awarded for their volunteer work and others for providing an inspiration to other women. There were women at the ceremony who are working as environment champions to improve the quality of life for local people.

Among those given awards were volunteers for the Single Parent Action Network, Knowle West Domestic Abuse Project, Terrence Higgins Trust West – which supports people living with HIV or Aids –- and the Bristol Fawcett Society, a campaign for equality between women and men in the UK on pay, pension, poverty, justice and politics.

Ms Grey said: 'Many of the people who have submitted nominations have stated how their 'women who make a difference' have supported them and others and are very positive role models in their communities.

"The awards have proved a great success since they were launched 10 years ago and with this year's event attracting more nominations than ever. The contribution of women to the life of the city, economically; socially; environmentally; culturally; politically and financially, is massive.

"It is right that we celebrate this and acknowledge the daily work that is often unheralded."