TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of pioneering former Bradford Northern secretary Doris Beard, who has passed away aged 94.

Doris made history in becoming the first-ever female secretary in professional rugby league when she was appointed assistant secretary to Eric England in 1953.

She then became full-time secretary in 1960 but lost her job when Northern went bust in 1963.

Doris, who was working on the evening of the 1954 Challenge Cup final replay between Warrington and Halifax, died in Calderdale Royal Hospital on December 13.

Her son Peter York, an avid Bulls fan from Brighouse, paid a rich tribute to her achievements.

"It was through my mum that I caught the rugby league bug and the Northern one in particular that I still have today," he said.

"She was the first woman secretary of a professional rugby league club and I think I am right that she was the first woman secretary of any professional sports club in Britain.

"There was quite a spread in the T&A at the time and some of the nationals also ran the story about her.

"She held the job until the Northern folded in December 1963 and then, of course, was made redundant along with everyone else.

"She never reapplied for the job when the club reformed as she had found another.

"I know she enjoyed very much working there and I certainly enjoyed her working there as it meant I didn't have to pay to watch games!

"I even managed to obtain tickets for away games sometimes for me and my friends.

"She didn't attend matches after she left but she was good friends with Trevor Foster and the last time she went to Odsal was six or seven years ago, when the Bulls held a memorial lunch for Trevor.

"She was made very welcome and presented with some flowers by Peter Hood and introduced to the gathering. She still looked for the results and asked me about the games."