A new era was beckoned this week when the Wymondham Lions Club welcomed its first woman member in its 40-year history.

Officials at the voluntary organisation spoke of their delight after Hayley Webster joined the club.

The group changed its constitution to allow women members about 15 years ago and the committee hope more women will come forward after ending its men-only reputation.

At a meeting attended by members and their wives, a ceremony took place at the Feathers pub in Wymondham on Monday to welcome Mrs Webster into the club.

The Wymondham woman has had an association with the club for many years and follows in the footsteps of her father and husband.

Wymondham Lions president Derek Fripp added that the club, which has 20 members, had received interest from other women in the Wymondham and Attleborough area.

'It is securing the future and we are looking forward. Our club is 41 years old and some of our members have been there most of that time. We are extremely pleased to welcome our first lady member. There is no restriction and we are open to all ages and backgrounds.'

'There have been some articles about some clubs that refuse to change their constitution, but most Lions clubs do have ladies in them and we are very happy to do that,' he said.

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest voluntary service organisation with more than 1.3m members. The Wymondham club organises the annual Dickensian Christmas Fair and meets on the second Wednesday and last Monday of every month.