Women will be allowed to to join the ranks of one of Oxford's oldest societies for the first time in 800 years after a historic vote.

The Oxford Freemen unanimously voted to allow woman to become outright members for the first time.

Howard Crapper, chairman of the Freemen of the city of Oxford, said he supported the move wholeheartedly.

Mr Crapper said: "I think in the past we have wanted to keep it as men only as we wanted to keep it special.

"But things have changed. We have an outstanding Queen, we have had a woman Prime Minister, we now have a lady Lord Mayor and we can't have women Freemen. It just seemed a bit daft, really.

"Over the years we have received many letters from people who have felt hard-done-by because they can't become Freemen because of their gender.

"And it has had an impact on our numbers. Before, family sizes were much larger and the father could usually pass it on to the son.

"But now, if you only have two daughters, we are losing lines of Freemen because of this."

The decision will now have to be ratified by the Freeman Privy Council within five weeks, but Mr Crapper said he did not think that would be an obstacle.

He added: "Cities such as London, York and Chester have been admitting women for a long time now, so Oxford is just doing its bit to keep up."

As an organisation, the Freemen were among the most powerful in Oxford and its members were the only ones permitted to hold a seat on the council.

Made up of tradesmen and businessmen, they operated as a guild to regulate trade and looked after the general welfare of the town's people.

Newly-elected Lord Mayor Susanna Pressel said: "I think it's appalling that sons have been the only ones that could carry on the Freeman line and daughters couldn't.

"As Lord Mayor, I am allowed to make someone a Freeman as the Lord Mayor's Childe - and I will be first Mayor to choose a woman."

John Sanders, Oxfordshire county councillor for Littlemore and Cowley, is also a Freeman. He said: "It was unanimously voted for in favour of opening it up to women.

"I think now as the Freemen embark on more significant work in the city. It will be nice to have women on board to give a different perspective."