It would have been enough to have some of his predecessors choking on their pints.

But Keith Waters, secretary of the Central Division Working Men's Club, looks on in pride as the club's newest member cues up at the snooker table.

In the 99-year history of the club in Manchester Road, Bradford, Sue Redford's application for membership has turned more heads than most.

The part-time fish shop assistant, of West Bowling, has become the first female member on the club's books - ending almost a century of tradition at the former Conservative club.

Now Sue, pictured, can play snooker and darts and enjoy a drink whenever and wherever she wants in the club.

It's a far cry from the years when women were banned from the games room and barred completely from the club on Sundays.

The rules were relaxed slightly a decade ago when wives and other female guests were allocated six seats in the games room where they were permitted to sit.

But the decision to allow women to sign up as full members marks the biggest rule change since the club, which is now preparing for its centenary year, was founded.

And Keith, who is in his second spell as secretary, said he was "absolutely delighted" to have helped bring about the change.

"There has been pressure over the years and the issue has been up before the committee before," he said. "This time, I think the atmosphere has changed, and we are reflecting the fact we are coming into a new century.

"This has been needed for years, and we have tried for a long time to get it through. It was one of the first things I wanted to happen when I returned to the post of secretary."

Sue, who has been a regular at the club bar for about ten years, said she was pleased to be the first female on the books.

"I think the days of working men's clubs as they were have long gone," she said. "They've been living too far behind the times here. All pubs have got more women going in these days and I enjoy coming here a lot. It's my local."

Keith admitted the decision would not have gone down well with all of the club's previous members.

But he said it was right to make the change to reflect the changes in society since the club was formed almost a century ago.

"The women have done exceptionally well running the bingo which they have completely taken over," he said. "They are really good workers here and they have helped the club to progress.

"I think the atmosphere's better since they were allowed in."

And, as Sue cues up at the snooker table, Keith said the club's newest recruit might be able to give some of her new colleagues a run for their money.

"She's not a bad player at all!" he said.