M&S has lined up some of Britain's "most influential and inspirational women”, photographed by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz, to front its new season.

The 12 women featured in the campaign include actress Dame Helen Mirren, TV presenter Katie Piper, singer Ellie Goulding, founder of the charity PEPAIDS (Peer Education Programme Against AIDS) Helen Allen, Olympic gold medal boxer Nicola Adams, Brick Lane author Monica Ali, former ballerina Darcey Bussell, singer-songwriter Laura Mvula, model and musician Karen Elson, CEO of Save the Children Jasmine Whitbread, model and long-time creative director for US Vogue Grace Coddington and award-winning artist Tracey Emin.

On its website, M&S said “(these) seemingly very different women from diverse backgrounds and professions represent the very best of British, the perfect ambassadors to present our new M&S autumn/winter collections.

“These women all possess intelligence, the confidence to succeed and innate personal style. From the physical strength and dedication of athletes and dancers, the honed skills of entertainers, the imagination of creative visionaries and the tireless campaigners, these women are pioneers in their fields. With that in mind, who better to photograph them than Annie Leibovitz, known for her era-defining work. Welcome to our new autumn/winter campaign.”