Radical rotarians in Bradford are breaking away from the organisation's traditional staid image.

The Bradford Bronte Rotary Club meets for breakfast, was the first in the city to take women and has one of the UK's youngest presidents.

Recruitment company boss Craig Burton was only 33 when he was made president of the lively club last year.

"Our club is mould breaking - we drop the pomp," said Craig, of Bingley.

"We were the first mixed gender rotary club in the whole of Yorkshire and I am the youngest president. I was 33 last year when my term started."

Traditionally rotary clubs recruit people who are over the age of 40, and are all-male affairs.

The 30-strong members of the Bradford Bronte group meets fortnightly for breakfast at the Midland Hotel in Bradford.

Members don't stand on ceremony and munch toast and offer good natured heckles during the business part of the meeting.

Member Sue Grunwall, a consultant, said: "I like the mix of people here. I liked the idea of a service organisation but most of them are no good to me as a mother of two young children. This is ideal because I can go on the way to work."

Ian Bottomley, 41, the secretary, a father-of-two and manager at Shire's Bathrooms, said: "I have been here from day one.

"I come because the atmosphere is quite lively, there's a spread of people from various backgrounds. We have a laugh basically, and it's quite invigorating on a Thursday morning, it wakes you up. Having the meeting at breakfast time means it doesn't intrude into your family life or your working life.

"When we were chartered we were unique as the first breakfast club, but some other clubs have followed suit now.

"We were treated with a bit of contempt by other clubs when we started."

Like all rotary clubs, Bradford Bronte raises thousands for charity and has just given £3,500 to St Luke's Hospital, Bradford. Members also pay for Aqua Boxes, which are emergency aid supplies and support the Heart Start scheme to teach young people lifesaving techniques.

l Membership of Rotary is £76 per year and the costs for each meeting are £5.50. The club has vacancies. To find out more contact secretary Ian Bottomley on (01423) 868245 or (01274) 846427.

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