IT was once a prestigious position reserved for only the most senior men in Hampshire.

However, today the County Bowling Club is doing all it can to encourage more members of the fairer sex to get involved in a previously male-dominated sport.

Now a Southampton grandmother has made history by becoming its first female president since it opened more than a century ago.

Val Brown, who has been a member of club in Northlands Road, Southampton, since 1991, is looking forward to spending a year in charge of organising and attending the season's games and social events.

The 58-year-old of Sherwood Gardens, Sarisbury, said: "I'm very pleased about it, quite flattered actually. It's a great honour to be asked. I was very surprised to become president.

"Bowling clubs always tend to be male-dominated. I hope that we have a very successful, happy and sociable bowling year."

The club, which has 176 members and social users, first opened its doors in 1889 but it was not until 1959 that women were allowed in.

Val, a mother-of-five, first developed an interest in bowling in 1990 and began taking classes with encouragement from husband Ted, who has also enjoyed being president in 2001.

Val joined the County Bowling Club a year later, eventually becoming a full member and then the first female committee member in 1996. She attends the club about three times a week and was its women's champion in 1998 and 2001, and a runner-up in the Southampton and District Championship pairs competition in 2003.

She added: "I think bowling is something you can learn as you go along. Our club is a great, social club and I've made a lot of very nice friends. I would recommend anyone interested in bowling comes along and has a go. It's a great sport and a great hobby."

Club secretary Brian Truman added: "Val's appointment is a milestone for the club. It's a huge step forward for us."

For information on the club open day on June 4, call 023 8023 3477.