Fermanagh members of the Soroptimist Society are looking forward to hosting the organisation's annual conference in Enniskillen this weekend.

A packed programme of events awaits ladies who travel to Enniskillen from Soroptimist's groups in Northern Ireland, and from the Republic of Ireland.

Along with a range of activities and speakers, the ladies will have the chance to take part in a very special service on Sunday morning, as they travel to the beautiful shores of Devenish Island for an ecumenical service of unity and friendship, complete with a brass band.

Enniskillen was chosen as the venue for this year's conference due to the fact the Regional President of Northern Ireland is Florencecourt's Sue Hogg.

Mrs Hogg, who has been involved with the Fermanagh branch for 10 years, explains this is the first time in over 20 years the event has come to the County, and said all local members are looking forward to the event.

Existing in Fermanagh for 42 years, the Soroptimist Society has become an integral part of life for many women here. The group meet twice a month, when they regularly have guest speakers address the group. The Group also organised an event once a month called 'Erne Carers' when carers from across the county are able to take a break from their tasks and enjoy a lunch.

They also back and raise funds for a number of charities and campaign for a range of human rights issue across the world. Mrs Hogg explains this year's regional charity is 'Mums for Mums' a organisation which supports young women in Ethiopia and aims to keep them from entering a world of prostitution.

The Soroptimist are also intent on 'investing for the future' perhaps one of their best known events is the Public Speaking competition they hold once a year. This year the final of the competition was held in Fivemiletown High School, and the winners of the event Catherine Rutherford, from Grovenor Grammar in Belfast; and Aishling Twomey from the Cork Club will be speaking at the annual conference in the Killyhevlin.