THREE leading female citizens have swapped experiences of their years in office.

Sunderland's first female mayor, former councillor Elizabeth Porter, met Annie Pratt and the city's latest first citizen, Juliana Heron, at an annual civic reception for those people who have held the honour.

The first woman to be made city Mayor, Mrs Porter, now in her 90s, recalled the support she received when she stepped into the role in 1974.

"I believe in fair shares for all, I'm not a feminist, I only know that everyone has a contribution to make.

"Both my mother and father were involved in politics, and, I suppose, I followed their lead.

Ms Pratt, who held the post in 1983/4, said: "I decided to become involved after attending my first Labour women's section meeting with a friend, who I later succeeded as councillor in our ward."

Her proudest moment was presiding over the city's final Mayor's Parade, which saw hundreds following marching bands, which she said brought a tear to the eye.

Mayor, Councillor Heron said: "I joined the Labour Party the year Annie was mayor and I'm delighted to have been able to share the same honour and represent the city as mayor."

All three said that women were "the backbone of the community".