TWO women have broken the gender divide at a male dominated social club by becoming the first female members allowed on the committee for 127 years.

Debbie Clarke and Betty Robinson were voted to serve on the committee at Whitefield Conservative Club on Elms Street last week after a change in the rules two years ago meant women could become fully-fledged members.

For 125 years, the club's constitution stated that only men could be members and women were allowed in the club as guests of their husbands or as associate members.

The women took full advantage and formed a ladies committee, which organised events such as potato pie suppers. But they were never permitted a say in the running of the club.

Club chairman Mr Chris West said: "We have to move with the times and we have been proposing lady members for four years but we have had to have 75 per cent majority on a vote. I think it is good news. Hopefully they will bring some new ideas to the club."

The two women were delighted to be accepted as committee members and were obviously popular choices as theirs were among the highest number of votes received.

Eight members were up for election and Mrs Robinson polled the most votes, with Mrs Clarke close behind.

Mrs Robinson said: "I'm very chuffed about it, and it was not just women who voted for me. I have served on the ladies committee for 13 years but that has now folded because we have been allowed on the main committee."

Describing herself as "straight-talking", Mrs Robinson said she intends to bring a lady's point of view to the club and hopes to organise more trips out. She said: "I want us to do something different in the summer, instead of just sitting in the club drinking!"

Whitefield Conservative Club was formed in 1878 as Pilkington Conservative Club, due to its location within Pilkington ward. It has between 600 and 630 members.