A CLUB which has banned women for the last 75 years plans to open its doors to the fairer sex to boost flagging membership.

The Rotary Club of Blackburn - the town's oldest Rotary club - will admit three female members at a special ceremony later this month.

Public relations officer John Brown said: "It will be a truly historic event for us. We are only the second Rotary Club out of 73 in this region to allow women to join. Rishton was the first club to make the change 12 months ago, and we can't think of any reason not to follow suit. "Like many other organisations we are struggling for members and believe women members will breathe new life into the club.

"Every year we organise many community events for the needy, and we hope the women will bring with them new ideas and approaches for our work."

The move is one of many special events planned to celebrate the club's 75th anniversary. The women will be sworn-in on Wednesday, October 23 at 1pm in Blackburn Library's Abram Room.

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