Prestonian’s are being urged to stand together in solidarity for an end to violence against women.

The University of Central Lancashire is joining the One Billion rising event across the globe.

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A celebration of dance and singing will demand the end of domestic violence.

Running from 12noon to 2pm on Tuesday 14 February the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre in Marsh Lane is expected to be taken over.

Co-founder and chair of the UCLan creative communities group (CCGUK) Russell Hogarth said: “UCLan and the CCGUK members have been involved in event, which is the biggest mass action in human history, since 2013 in a show of solidarity and support with the Preston gathering growing in popularity every year.

“Having a daughter and three granddaughters, this event is very close to my heart and one that I’m happy to be involved in each year.”

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Instructor and world salsa dance champion Phil Kaila is leading the dancing on the day accompanied by live music, The event is free to attend and you don’t need to book.

The worldwide event takes place on the same day every year in hundreds of countries. It calls for people to gather safely outside places where women are entitled to justice such as police stations, government offices, places of worship, education or simply in public places where women deserve to feel safe.

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This year’s One Billion Rising for Justice campaign focuses on the exploitation of women and girls and to highlight the shocking statistic that one in three women will be beaten or raped in their lifetime. With the world population at seven billion, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls.