FOR THE first time in its 20-year history, Petersfield South Downs Probus Club has unanimously elected a female chairman.

Jan Parry is now at the helm of the club in Petersfield which provides a meeting place for retired professional and business people.

Jan has enjoyed a career in the library and information service, with jobs at the Department of Health and the Home Office. In 2009, she was taken on to the secretariat to the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

Jan joined the club in 2013 and became deputy chairman in 2015.