A BOWLING club which has been running for more than 120 years has voted to allow women to become members.

At an extraordinary general meeting, members of the Hard Lane-based Windle Bowling Club voted overwhelmingly to allow female members for the first time in its history.

The historic decision was made with the vote 64-2 in favour of the change. And the club says it has already had 14 applications from women to join up since the vote.

Chairman Ron Jackson said: "It is now open to everybody, we will not distinguish between men and women, there is no distinction.

"Basically we are moving on. We won't say women members or men members, just everyone is a member. They are welcome to join on equal grounds."

The club has a busy calendar social events throughout the year and sees several outside organisations use the grounds as well.

There are three teams at the club with an A team and a B team in the St Helens Pensioners League and a 'Windle Wanderers' team which travels around the area competing in the Newton League.

"It's the right thing to do," said director Jeff Lawrenson about the decision.

"It started when we had an event we found out there were more ladies than men here and they asked us to join and we said we'd put it on the agenda.

"We've been here about for 120 years and we are hoping to be about for a long time to come."

Jeff's wife Helen added: "My family have been involved for 100 years. I was delighted with the outcome and looking forward to being one of the lady members."

For more information on the club visit windlebowlingclub.co.uk.