THE Mayor of Kendal said she was refused entry to watch a boxing event last night (Thursday) because she was a woman, reports Andy Bloxham.

The Kendal and South Lakeland District Licensed Victuallers' Association - a pub landlords' organisation - was due to hold its annual fund-raising boxing event at Kendal Town Hall.

Coun Marilyn Molloy, a fan of boxers such as Chris Eubank and Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan, asked to go but was forbidden. She said the decision was redundant "now we are in the 21st century".

Colin Burrows, chairman of the LVA, said the policy of not allowing women to attend had been in force for the 25 years that the event had been running: "It's been tradition and tradition no longer seems to count for anything."

He added: "We have had previous lady mayors and it has never really been an issue by the fact that the deputy or the mayor's husband has come."

However, Mr Burrows said the policy might have to be reviewed.

Members of the LVA were scheduled to visit the mayor in her town hall parlour last night before enjoying the evening of boxing, leaving her behind.

Former mayor Coun Tony Rothwell said: "Gender should not come into this, a mayor is a mayor. However, the boxing is nothing to do with the town council therefore it's up to the LVA."

Coun Avril Dobson, another former mayor, said the rule was outdated but added: "They are a private organisation. I didn't want to go when I was mayor so I didn't challenge it."

Barbara Street, landlady of the Sun Hotel, at Troutbeck Bridge, who is a member of the LVA, said the policy was obsolete.

Women's groups were critical of the rule. Pat Bowers, of Milnthorpe, who is a member of the National Women's Register, said: "She is the representative of the town. It doesn't matter what her gender is."

According to the Equal Opportunities Commission only private members' clubs' which appoint new members through an acceptable voting procedure are exempt from equality laws under section 29 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.