Fairy tales and folklore with a 'girl power' theme will be presented by Sidmouth storyteller Janet Dowling at an event for International Women's Day.

She is giving a talk called 'Fearless Girls, Brave Sisters' at Sidmouth Library between 3pm and 4.30 on Friday, March 8.

Janet says she has 'spent a lifetime' trying to change the perception that all the females in fairy stories and folk tales are either victims who need to be rescued or 'the prize' for a man's brave deeds.   

She said: "Many folk tales were written down in the 19th century, when there was a lot of social change and women needed to be 'put in their place'.

"When I was a child, I wanted to be a boy because they had much more fun. But in this century people have realised that there were traditional tales which emphasised the active positive roles that women could have, and now there are several collections of traditional tales that show that women throughout the world weren’t always waiting for the prince on the white charger! I’ve always enjoyed telling the stories that surprise people!

“These are the tales that they didn’t want you to know. Who are the women who save Red Riding Hood, how many times does Cinderella go to the ball (did you say once or three times?)  and an amazing tale of the girl who pretended to be a man and married a princess! Plus others you had no idea existed!”

Janet said her talk at the library is suitable for anyone aged 14 to 100. Entry is with a donation to Friends of Sidmouth Library.