Female engineers at the University of Bradford are leading their professional peers into the 21st century.

The institution's School of Engineering, Design and Technology (EDT) has set up a pioneering support group which aims to help women about to enter what remains a predominantly male profession.

ARNWESS (A Regional Network of Women's Engineering Student Societies) has been established across the region by the university's Joanne Crowther.

It was launched during a special event at the university called Handbags and Hydraulics, which examined how engineers from the fairer sex can make their presence known on the shop floor or in the boardroom.

Mrs Crowther, who is based at the School of EDT, is a keen campaigner for women in engineering.

She said: "There has been a great improvement in the number of women entering the profession but there is still a way to go.

"We want to share best practice at Bradford University.

"I set up the first women's engineering society at Bradford in 2003.

"We do need to bridge the gender gap. Women who have already embarked on careers in engineering have been very successful but we need more.

"Women look at things differently so when you are looking at a technological problem it is nice to have a different approach. We are flying the flag for female engineers!"

Dr Emma Harris, who graduated from Bradford University in 1994 with a degree in civil engineering, led a seminar during the ARNWESS launch.

Dr Harris was the first woman to edit an Institution of Civil Engineers journal.

The launch event also featured a lecture from Rita Morris, former BBC singer and professional opera singer.

She gave a talk on women "standing their ground in a man's world". Students and lecturers from across Yorkshire and the Humber attended.

Mrs Crowther said: "We want the network to continue to grow across the county, offering support to all women in science, engineering and technology. The launch event will be a catalyst for this."

The event was held in conjunction with JIVE, which aims to end segregation in the workplace, and the United Kingdom Resource Centre.

Bradford University engineering undergraduate Naledi Mosele, 25, helped launch ARNWESS. Ms Mosele, who is originally from Botswana, said: "There is sometimes a lack of understanding from women about what engineering is.

"It is not all about lifting heavy machinery and dirty work. A lot of it is analytical. Women are very capable of doing the job."

e-mail: dan.webber @bradford.newsquest.co.uk