The first female president of Epsom Rotary Club (ERC) aims to "think outside the box" and bring the group "into the 21st Century".

Carol Caiger, from Ewell Village, was appointed to the year-long role - the first woman to be given the honour in its 90 year history - at the start of the month, having joined ERC four years ago despite thinking "it was only a men’s club".

The 58-year-old, who has worked as the mayor’s secretary at Epsom town hall for 14 years, wants to raise the profile of the club’s work and, with 36 members all aged over 50, only three of whom are women, she wants to encourage those aged over 30 to join.

She said: "I thought it was just a men’s club, but I was immediately made to feel welcome and wanted to get involved in the things they were doing.

"Each person has different skills to bring and I didn’t realise how many great friends I would make."

She said that although the perception is that rotary clubs "just collect at Christmas", ERC undertakes a range of activities supporting the local community as well as those in need abroad - from sending goats to the third world, to mentoring Epsom’s schoolchildren.

While not a "massive feminist", she believes she can bring a fresh approach to ERC.

She said: "When you’re working together, it doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, but women do think in a different way.

"Girl power is good.  I’m very proud. 

"I think men like to maintain tradition and don’t welcome change, but I’m more flexible, my attitude is ‘let’s try it and see’.

"Women are good at thinking outside the box."

Mrs Caiger is arranging for a range of guest speakers to address the club to enable it to learn more about the area in varied ways.

She said: "I’m trying to bring ERC into the 21st Century.  I want to raise its profile in the community and bring the community back into ERC.

"You can get in a bit of a rut and I want to look at things from a different perspective."

ERC meets on Thursday lunchtimes at South Hatch restaurant, Epsom Downs.  People wanting to join are encouraged to attend to see if it is for them.

For more information visit www.epsomrotaryclub.org or call Mrs Caiger on 07828513885.