A MARCH through the streets of Worcester is planned to highlight violence against women and girls.

Women and male allies are being invited to join the Reclaim the Night march taking place in the city centre on Thursday, November 25.

The group will meet in Angel Place outside CrownGate at 7.30pm before walking through the city and returning to Boston Tea Party for speeches and hot drinks.

Organisations set to take part include Worcestershire's Women's Equality Party, West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, West Mercia Women's Aid, Joy Project, Out2gether, University of Worcester and Worcester Community Trust.

Leisa Taylor from WEP said: "We held one in 2019 which was really successful with about 100 people joining us for the march.

"After recent events with Sarah Everard, Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry and there has been a surge in drink spiking in pubs and clubs we felt like the time was right to do it.

"It's a chance to remind people and raise awareness.

"We will welcome anyone to join us.

"Any self-identifying women and male allies are welcome to join the march.

"We ask the men to walk behind as if to say 'we've got your backs'

"Women have to fight for their safety in local spaces.

"This is to show solidarity to women and girls who have experienced violence."

She added that testimonies from young women on Instagram pages such as Girls Night In Worcester and The First Time It Happened showed why action is still needed.

People can just turn up for the Reclaim the Night march but are asked to join the Facebook group Reclaim the Night Worcester so they can monitor numbers.

There is also a buddy system for those planning to come alone by contacting WEP on Twitter at @WEPWorcester.