A ROTARY club has its first female member after 76 years as a men only organisation.

Stockton Rotary Club, which was founded in 1928, has welcomed Christine Heap, 63, as their newest member.

Ms Heap, from Stockton, taught at Haughton School, in Darlington, for 17 years until her retirement in 1999.

She then spent three years working for the Voluntary Service Overseas as a teacher in Rwanda, where she received financial backing from the club.

It was in Rwanda where the work of the Rotary Club was first brought to her attention, and, determined not to just sit still upon retirement, she decided to join her local club.

Ms Heap said: "The club helped me to buy text books and equipment while I was in Rwanda, which made me realise the good work they do.

"The Rotary Club very often has an image of older men who get together and talk about boring things, but that is certainly not the case. I didn't consciously join because I was going to be the first female member, but because I was interested in what they do."

The club's president, John Hall, said he was sure Ms Heap would have a lot to offer to the club.

He said: "We are very proud to have Christine as our first female member and we would invite more women to join. We supported her when she was doing her voluntary work and I am sure she will have a lot to offer from that."

Anyone who would like to become a member of Stockton Rotary Club can contact Mr Hall on (01740) 630216.