A YOUNG inspirational Saddleworth entrepreneur has joined a unique line-up of talent featured in a top London exhibition.

Bubbly Laura Hirst was first woman to be a permanent member of the legendary Brighouse and Rastrick Band, formed 1881.

And her portrait appeared in “100 Women”, a striking photographic exhibition featuring 100 iconic portraits of “First Women” from across the UK.

Laura and her family run Albion Farm Shop and Cafe in Delph, a popular venue with locals and visitors.

And her picture, in band uniform helps mark 100th year of Women’s Suffrage.

Photographer Anita Corbin officially unveiled her empowering 10-year project documenting 100 pioneering 21st Century women at the Dyson Gallery in London’s Royal College of Art.

The exhibition included portrait of celebrities Suzi Quatro, Angela Rippon, Jenny Éclair and Victoria Coren-Mitchell.

Well-known leaders from Nicola Sturgeon and Dame Inga Beale and explorer Felicity Aston and Olympic Gold Medalist Nicola Adams were featured.

Ages range from 18 to 102 years and fields of expertise from beatboxing to bomb detection. The exhibition provided “an impressive visual story of female potential, for men and women of all generations”.

Anita said: “I wanted to celebrate the impact women have had on society over the last 100 years. I hope the First Women series will inspire future generations and help them see that it is possible to break down barriers whether they are social, economic, cultural or political.

“I want these powerful images to offer emotional support to women who seek to be the best they can be; those women who want to aim high and will look at my pictures and see they are not alone.”