Clare Wood could be in line to succeed Alan Mills as Wimbledon referee.

It would make the former British No.1 from Denton the first woman to hold the post.

Mills, in charge since 1983, has suggested Wood, who worked in the referee's office this year, as a possible successor when he retires.

The 65-year-old, who also refereed the Wimbledon Veterans Championships last month, said: "The All England Club are looking at an eventual successor and going through the process.

"Clare is in the frame like Andrew Jarrett (the assistant referee this year). We've also had John Frame and Jane Harvey in as people are tried out.

"Clare enjoyed it when she came in, but she has her own commitments to consider.

"No decision has been made but being a woman wouldn't make any difference to the eventual final decision."

Wood took two weeks off her duties as WTA Tour supervisor to work alongside Mills at the Championships last month.

She said: "The first woman to be Wimbledon referee? That's a long way off. It's just flattering to be even be talked about.

"Obviously they are looking to replace Alan who has been doing the job so well for so long, looking at the options and the fact Andy and I are full members at Wimbledon helps. I'd definitely be interested, it's certainly something to aspire to.

"Alan approached me, via the WTA Tour, to see if I would be interested in coming into his office this year.

"The WTA thought it would reflect well on them if one of their employees worked in it.

"When I was a player I never even thought about officiating.

"But it was a great experience. There was a lot to see.

"It was fascinating to see how things take shape. People have no idea how much thought goes into the decisions made.

"The daily schedule is the most high profile thing. It is hard to balance out the matches to please everybody.

"There's the players, the spectators and the television companies and other media to consider.

"There are also checks to be made on players wearing pre-dominantly white outfits, the results and supervising medical time outs during matches.

"It's not only the main competitions you have to deal with, there are the junior and veterans events to consider too. It's a big operation."

Wood picked up some tips about what it takes to be a referee during the Championships.

She said: "I think you need a good knowledge of the rules and be fair but have a strong enough character to make tough decisions.

"You can't keep people happy all the time."

Mills himself believes having a tennis background and operating an 'open door' policy are advantages when it come to refereeing the world's biggest tournament.

Wood will no doubt take his words on board.