A group of women took part in a celebratory bike ride to mark the centenary of the female vote.

Cycling for 15 miles around Harrow, they visited a number of places connected to the struggle for women to be heard in politics.

The riders, including Harrow councillors Sue Anderson and Janet Mote, wore green, white and purple in honour of the suffragettes who paved the way in advancing women’s rights.

Veronica Chamberlain, volunteer leader at the ride organisers Breeze Champion, said: “It was a very special day for all women in this country, and in particular for women who give their lives to public service.

“It seemed fitting to celebrate with a bike ride as bikes were a symbol of women's freedom and important for our struggle to gain the vote.”

February 6 marked 100 years since women over 30 who were householders – numbering around 6 million – were given permission to vote. It was not until 1928 that all women over 21 could have their say.

The cyclists visited a number of significant places on their route, including the former home of suffragette Catherine Marshall in Harrow-on-the-Hill.

She founded the Women’s Liberal Association in Harrow, was a vital activist in the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies and was a founding member of the British branch of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

They also travelled to various schools with famous alumni, including Harrow College, formerly Harrow County Grammar School for Girls, where Diane Abbott, the first black female MP, studied.

Ms Anderson explained that she hopes to see similar initiatives carried out in the future to help recognise the sacrifices and achievements of women in the UK.

She said: “This was a wonderful way to mark the centenary of the female vote – women riding together to mark the start of our fight for equality and remember those strong Harrow women who trod the path we all endeavour to follow.

“Without them none of us would be able to serve the community as we do today.

“Another political activist worth remembering is Annie Besant; famous for the matchgirls’ Strike.

“And there must be others – it would be great to have another ride soon to put some more detail on the ‘Women of Harrow’ map.”

Her words were echoed by Ms Mote who said she was “delighted” to take part in the ride.

She noted that, as a councillor, she was grateful to the women who had enabled her and her colleagues to have a place in politics.

Breeze Bike Rides for Women, run by British Cycling, hopes to get more women on their bikes after discovering that only one woman for every three men regularly cycles.