RHYL turned into a sea of white, green and purple to mark 100 years of women being given the right to vote.

Rhyl’s Pont y Ddraig bridge, sky tower and promenade shelters were illuminated in the suffragette colours to mark the sacrifices made by women who campaigned for the right to vote.

Women under 30 had to wait another 10 years to get the same rights, but February 6, 1918 was a turning point for women in the UK, with the introduction of The Representation of People Act.

The anniversary event on Tuesday was organised by Rhyl Town Council and supported by Denbighshire County Council and the Pavilion Theatre.

Town councillor Diane King, who came up with the idea for the lighting displays and to mark the 100th anniversary, said: “The centenary is an important one – it marked a turning-point for women.

“Much has changed since then and increasingly we are seeing more and more women in the world of politics, but the sacrifices made by those who fought for the right to vote should be remembered and recognised.

“We all enjoy freedoms because of the battle fought by our ancestors, so behind this fabulous lighting is a powerful message about the importance of democracy.”

Cllr King’s sentiments were echoed by Rhyl mayor Cllr Alan James. “It is understood that we’re the only town in North Wales to mark the event in this way but we felt it was important,” he said.

“The centenary should not go unnoticed. Hopefully, the lights will serve as a reminder to people fighting their own battles that anything can be achieved.”

For the event, town councillors joined residents and dressed up as suffragettes.