To mark International Women’s Day, on March 8, 2022, we’ve rounded up just some of the area's inspirational women, in no particular order.
5. Lindsay Johnson, Footballer
Former Hartlepool Sixth Form College student Lindsay Johnson, who's from Hartlepool, has had a successful career in football. She played for Everton Ladies as well as the England women's national football team and is hailed for her speed and versatility on the pitch. Photo: JPI Media
6. Amanda Coulson, Boxer
At her peak, Hartlepool's Amanda Coulson was considered to be the best female amateur boxer in England, juggling fights with working in her local police call centre. Highlights of her boxing career included taking part in the European Championships in Norway in 2005 and representing England at international matches against France and Italy in 2005. Photo: FRANK REID
7. Clare Dixon, Aid Worker
Clare Dixon, from Hartlepool, has devoted her life to working with communities in the Central American country of El Salvador and in 2018, travelled to Rome to celebrate the Archbishop of San Salvador, Oscar Romero, be made a Saint by the Pope. The Catholic community in Hartlepool has raised thousands of pounds over the years for the church’s international development charity CAFOD and its work in El Salvador. Photo: submitted
8. Courtney Hadwin, Singer
Singing star Courtney Hadwin from Hesleden made it famous across the pond when she appeared on America's Got Talent, with her audition viewed more than 50million times on YouTube. She went on to sign a record deal with Syco Entertainment and Arista Records and has a promising career ahead of her. Photo: JPI Media