A working men’s club has elected female committee members for the first time in their 100-year history.

Once a mainly male domain, the the Leisure Hour Working mens club in Great Harwood has now broken tradition and allowed two women onto their clubs board.

Carol Guilfoyle, 53 and Anthea Kendall, 39 are the newest addition to the committee.

It comes only five years after the club on Lomax Street started allowing women in full-time.

Carol said: “I’ve been a member for quite a few years now, and I was approached by the chairman Dave Kemp to stand as secretary.

“I mainly look after new memberships and chair the committee meetings.

“Up to five years ago we were only allowed in on a Saturday night.

“But we’re into the 21st century now, and hopefully there’ll be more women coming in the future.

“Were one of the last working men’s clubs in the area, most of the rest have closed down.”

Anthea, the newest committee member, said

they have a lot of female members at the club. She added: “I thought it was time for some of us to get on the committee.

“Carol and I were put forward and accepted at the AGM, nobody objected to anything and we really enjoy it.”

Ward councillor Ian Robinson, who is also on the committee, said: “I’m really glad to see women on the committee.

“It really opens the club up now and moves it away from the bastions of a male club.

“Both of these members are under 50 years old so it will also help give a new lease of life to the club. and keep it going”