Now finally, in 1999, more than 80 per cent of members have voted to accept the opposite sex.

Two years ago, when the Worthing club last voted on the issue, women were kept out by a close vote. Now members have changed their minds.

Haydn Smith, president of the Rotary Club of Worthing, said: "It has always been up to individual clubs to decide what they wanted to do.

"Our club has always felt that we should be traditional and men-only and did not see the need for change.

"But the world of business has changed so much in the last few years that women now have equal status to men and it seems an anachronism to limit the membership to men."

Less than half the 36 rotary clubs in Sussex currently admit women and there are only 2,500 female rotarians nationwide, compared to 63,000 men.

But despite the historic decision, there are no women waiting in the wings to join the Worthing group, which currently has 40 members and meets at the Chatsworth Hotel in Steyne Gardens.

The clubs help raise cash for a range of charities and good causes and are drawn from local firms and professions.

Women in Worthing have welcomed the decision, although many may be too busy to join.

Town Centre Manager Clare Potter said: "I think it's about time they have made this decision but I also have to say most women do not have an hour to spare to go to their meetings."

Dawn Chapman, mayoress of Worthing, said: "I am pleased. I think men and women are getting equal status now in the workplace but it is a slow process."

Coun Sheila Player, of Worthing Borough Council, said: "It's about time that this has happened. I am not the strongest woman libber around but organisations like that which are fund-raisers should include women.

Aspokeswoman for Rotary International said: "We are very pleased about this latest development. Women hoping to join the Rotary Club of Worthing should call secretary Chris Hatton on 01903 230389.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.