THE Plymouth Enterprising Women Network has launched the first of what will become by-monthly coffee mornings for aspiring female entrepreneurs.

More than a dozen businesswomen gathered at the Studio Lounge, in Millbay Road, for the inaugural networking event, designed to "get our women talking".

And, with it being in the week the Chinese celebrated new year, special Oriental-themed cupcakes were enjoyed during the two-hour event.

"The free networking events are designed for city women entrepreneurs to speak to other like-minded women, drum up new business opportunities and create a new enterprise spirit to help and support more local women in business," a PEW spokesperson said.

"The informal gatherings will be your chance to tell us what other features and activities you would like to see over the next 12 months."

The PEW was launched last November, during Global Entrepreneurship Week, when 150 businesswomen attended a showcase at the Council House, in Armada Way. PEW is funded by Plymouth City Council and the European Regional Development Fund to help and support more city women in business, showcase their enterprises, and collaborate with other city businesses, and 8,000 other female entrepreneurs across the UK.