Women are to be allowed to join a Maldon charitable group for the first time in 25 years.

The town's Lions Club has voted to actively allow females into the group and is set to launch a recruitment drive to attract women members.

President Michael Ballard said the decision was taken mainly to keep up with the times.

The Lions Club, which offers support to groups and individuals through charitable work, is an international service organisation but the decision of whether to allow females to join was made by each individual group.

Mr Ballard said: "We decided it was the right time and everyone voted for it. Another reason is that we want more members and feel this way there is more chance of that happening."

Membership of the club will still be by invitation only but leaders are hoping people wishing to be considered will put their names forward.

Mr Ballard said those wanting to join should go along to meetings, which take place at the Ship and Anchor pub in Maldon High Street on the first Thursday of every month, or contact him on 01621 891105.

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