PROMOTING an inclusive message will be high on the agenda for Radcliffe Rotary Club this year, after inducting its first ever female president.

Gillian Stainthorpe took over the reins at the club at the beginning of the month and is hoping to attract a wide range of new members during her year in charge.

The 67-year-old former teacher, who has lived in Radcliffe since 1971, was given the honour having joined the Rotary Club only two years ago and served as vice president last year.

Mrs Stainthorpe, of Lynmouth Close, said: “I think people were very keen to have a woman as president if at all possible.

“I have had experience in chairing roles previously and everyone has been very supportive of me so far, so it hasn’t been too daunting a task.

“I’m hoping that we can lift the profile of the Rotary Club in Radcliffe. It’s an organisation which is based locally but has a national and international vision, which is one of the things that drew me to the club in the first place.”

Just four of the group’s current 22 members are women and it is hoped that by bringing in a more diverse range of people the club can shed its "exclusive" image.

She added: “I want to draw in new members to the club from a range of ages and for the club to be seen as something that people want to devote their time to.

“Sometimes I feel like the club is perceived as being exclusive and only open to a certain type of person, which is totally the wrong idea.

“We support a lot of local groups, for young people and older people, and that is going to continue and hopefully grow.”

Outgoing president Dave Chambers said: “We haven’t had female members in Rotary for very long, not just in Radcliffe but worldwide.

“I think it’s a marvellous thing for the club and the very fact that Gillian is so devoted to Radcliffe and has spent the majority of her working life here is fantastic.

“I think she will be an excellent addition to the club and we know we are in very safe hands with her.

"She has been a member for a few years now and has proved herself very useful on various committees and we felt last year that she was going to be a very good choice as my vice president and then able to take over herself.”

For more information on Radcliffe Rotary Club: visit www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=314 or www.facebook.com/pages/Radcliffe-Rotary-Club/967636863256599