The 1960s were a time of great change: America mourned the assassination of John F Kennedy, the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum and man took his first steps on the moon.

For the 187 women machinists employed at Ford’s Dagenham assembly plant in 1968, it was a decade when a single act of rebellion changed history.

Disgusted by their lowly standing in the eyes of management compared to the male workers, the women went on strike to protest against unequal pay and sexual discrimination.

The subsequent power struggle with the board of the plant established a precedent for women around the world, proving that a few strong-willed individuals can slay a corporate giant.

Described as the ‘feel-good’ film of the autumn, there is a strong East Lancashire link to this warm, beautifully shot film in the form of Miranda Richardson, who plays the pioneering Barbara Castle, who represented Blackburn in Parliament for more than three decades.

Her story mirrors the plight of the working class women, as she struggles against the male-dominated public school establishment enshrined in the corridors of the Commons.

When the excellent Richardson delivers the line “I’m what’s known as a fiery redhead, and this is a fiery redhead coming to the fore,” anyone who met Mrs Castle or has seen archive footage can be in no doubt about the almost forensic nature of her portrayal.

The film, set in 1968, gives a showcase to some of the brightest young British actresses.

Sally Hawkins is no-nonsense Rita O’Grady, whose fiery temper and occasionally hilarious unpredictability proves to be a match for any of her male opponents.

Hawkins is simply brilliant; her performance dominates the film and her presence on screen seems to bring hidden depths out of the other performers.

Alongside her on the factory floor are other characters which give a chance to shine for other actresses such as Jaime Winstone, Geraldine James and the impossibly good looking Andrea Riseborough.

The all-British cast is ably backed up with smaller roles for Bob Hoskins, Rosamund Pike and Kenneth Cranham.

The film is directed by Nigel Cole whose previous work includes Calendar Girls and an added delight is the period clothes which perfectly illustrate how Carnaby Street fashions filtered into the suburbs in the late 1960s.

A very enjoyable and inspiring experience, Made In Dagenham is all that’s best about British film.