A Dorset MP has applauded a group of Silsden women fighting for equal rights at the village's Sunnybank Social Club.

Robert Walter, Conservative MP for North Dorset, says the private members bill he is presenting to Parliament on February 11 would end discrimination in clubs. Sunnybank Social Club last week rejected outright the motion that women should be granted full membership and equal rights at the club.

Mr Walter says: "The attitudes shown by the all-male committee at Sunnybank show there is a need for a change in the law. We are now in the 21st century and our behaviour towards women must reflect this.

Mr Walter says he does not disagree with wholly single-sex clubs. But he says: "It is clearly wrong that clubs like Sunnybank can discriminate against women. Sunnybank's proposals only offer second class membership. My bill would outlaw the decision made by the men-only committee at Sunnybank."

Keighley MP Ann Cryer has spoken out in support of the women saying: "I am calling on the men to re-consider their position. As the Sex Discrimination Act stands they are probably within the law because they are a private club.

"But it is not a stand which should be taken in this day and age. It is unpleasant. I can image that the women are worthy members - the men will be content for them to make sandwiches and tea and organise event, the women they'll be very good at that. So the men should do the right thing "

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