THE Steve Prescott Bridge has been lit purple, green and white this evening to mark 100 years since some women were given the right to vote.

Purple, green and white were the colours adopted by the suffragettes – a women’s organisation that campaigned for equal rights.

Purple symbolised dignity, green symbolised hope, and white purity.

Many suffragettes sacrificed their own freedom and even their own lives in order to win the vote, most notably Emily Wilding Davidson who died after walking out on to the racetrack at the 1913 Epson Derby which resulted in her being hit by King George V’s horse, Anmer.

St Helens Council Leader, Barrie Grunewald, said: “It’s difficult to imagine living in a society where women are disregarded, so it’s only right that St Helens Council commemorates those who gave their all so that women across the country were given the right to vote and live as equals.

“Their bravery and determination is remarkably inspiring and will never be forgotten.”