BOLTON Lads' Club became the first club of its kind in the country to officially throw off its single-sex image back in 1993.

After a special open day at their, then, Bark Street premises when a new sign was unveiled as 500 balloons were released the club became known as Bolton Lads' and Girls' Club.

The club allowed girls into its ranks for the first time in its history five years previously but in 1993, after 104 years, the move was officially recognised in its title.

Girls were playing an active role in the club, taking part in a host of activities, but at that time they still made up a minority of the 620 members.

Youth leader Mr Jeremy Glover said at the time he hoped the name change would encourage more girls to join — and judging by the number of girls at the club today it clearly did work well.

He said: "We have here a very vibrant club and although we have had girls here for some time we thought it was now time that the change was reflected in the title."