'Magazines underplay our true worth'

? THE PROJECT A GROUP of girls were taken by limousine toStockbrook Manor where they analysed magazines.

Student Jaime Beasley, 14, said: "We came to the conclusion thatthe focus of women in magazines is on their appearance,relationships and 'celebrity', rather than their talents andachievements.

"We then used the internet and were shown examples of successfulwomen who we had not heard of: magazine editors, lawyers, socialworkers, heads of charities and doctors."

Mrs Berry said: "It was decided to try and introduce them to asmany inspirational ordinary and extraordinary women as possible.They took part in a workshop with a female relative where theyresearched and wrote to women they admired."

The choice ranged from soldiers in Afghanistan and Macmillannurses to writers, performers and designers. Letters of advice andinspiration as well as signed photos are still arriving from womenlike Dame Kelly Holmes and Red magazine editor Sam Baker.

The girls then took part in a Meet Professional Women 'speeddating' event. Every hour six women arrived and spent ten minuteswith a group of five girls telling their career story.