The woman who broke the mould and became the first woman Keighley Lion can add another first to her CV - the first woman president of the Keighley Lions club.

Last Saturday, after a meal at Chaplins restaurant in Haworth, outgoing president Edward Walters handed over the chain of office to Avril Emmerson, who became a Lion less than two years ago.

Avril's association with the Lions started many years ago through her late husband, former Keighley Lions president, president of Keighley and Skipton Lions clubs, and zone and region chairman Don Emmerson.

After Mr Emmerson died in 1997 Avril decided to continue her involvement with the Lions and, after defeating opposition to keep Keighley Lions as a men-only club, became the first female Keighley Lion. Since then seven more women have joined after Avril paved the way for them with her momentous move.

A former teacher from Hull, Avril and fireman Don moved to Keighley after their wedding in the early 1960s. Before taking semi-retirement Avril taught at Bronte and Hartington Middle schools.

Avril's president's pin, showing her term of office in the Lions' 46th year, now adorns the chain of office along with her husband's from when he was president in 1984-85.

Haworth and Worth Valley Rotary Club has it first ever woman president.

Chris Bown has taken on the mantle of president for the club that has 25 male and female members.

She was handed the chain of office by immediate past president Chris Kates at a celebratory dinner on Tuesday night at the Three Sisters Hotel in Haworth.

And on the same day as America celebrated its independence Chris, 45, announced that she was on a mission to encourage more rotary clubs to provide greater recognition for women.

She says: "I'm very proud to be one of the three female presidents this year within the district and its 75 clubs.

"Quite a lot of clubs you go into are interested in getting female members in and I would like to encourage more clubs to adopt mixed membership.

"We are one of 21 clubs in the district who let in women and I would like to see more follow suit because there are more and more professional women these days who are showing an interest in joining Rotary.

A fundraiser for Manorlands Sue Ryder hospice in Oxenhope, Chris is also determined to help children come to terms with the loss of loved ones.

She explains: "My charity this year is the Manorlands child bereavement service that provides information packs for kids who have lost parents, close relations, friends or even teachers.

"I want to put a pack in every school in Keighley and South Craven to help children and the school deal with bereavement.

"The packs cost around £25 and contain lots of information that would help children and adults come to terms with the death of a loved one."

The dinner on Tuesday night was attended by Chris's husband Les, president elect Gordon Guest and club members.