MORE than 70 businesswomen attended the latest gathering of a growing networking group.

The Women@Work breakfast event was addressed by Helen Butters and Janette Benaddi, two of the four record-breaking Yorkshire Rows.

They became the oldest women ever to row across any ocean after completing a mammoth, 67-day crossing of the Atlantic.

Their effort raised more than £100,000 for charity, which will be boosted with publication of a book – Four Mums in a Boat.

During the networking event, at the Coniston Hotel in Coniston Cold, a further £340-plus was raised for the cause.

"When we book the venues for our events we never really know what the uptake will be – but we were delighted to have so many bookings for this latest one," said Felicity Green, practice manager at AWB Charlesworth Solicitors in Keighley.

"With such a vibrant group of local businesswomen, the additional inspiration of our guest speakers and the fantastic hospitality of the Coniston Hotel we could not help but come away from the event both inspired and enthused."

Emma Sadler-Mason, private banking manager with NatWest, said: "In addition to all the networking, we were so pleased to raise the money for the Yorkshire Rows' chosen charity, Maggies.

"We wish them every success with the launch of their new book."

Women@Work was launched four years ago by AWB Charlesworth and NatWest, to create a forum for professional women in the Aire Valley to meet and share ideas.

A different venue is chosen every quarter to host its gatherings.

E-mail melanie.crewe@awbclaw.co.uk for more details.

People can also contact the group via Women@Work Aire Valley on LinkedIn or @wawairevalley on Twitter.