Marketing executive Catherine Jenkins was thrown out of the Stewards' Enclosure at Henley because her dress was too short four hours after she was first allowed in.

Five security guards had admitted 23-year-old Catherine, who was wearing a knee-length black chiffon dress, into the enclosure at 9am on the first day of the 161st Henley Royal Regatta.

But after she briefly left the enclosure yesterday, the guards pounced as she walked back with a friend, Vanessa Mansergh, 23. They refused to allow her back in, saying her dress was too short. A furious Catherine said: "I'm gutted. A gust of wind just blew my dress up and the officials spotted it.

"It's a completely conservative dress. It just went up in the breeze."

Catherine, who was a guest of a member, said she spent nearly 200 on her dress, Thai Silk wrap and handbag.

She added: "I've just moved to Henley. It's given me second thoughts about staying."

She said an official had seen her and radioed down to the guards. Vanessa said: "I can't believe it, I'm through with Henley. I've worked at the Regatta every year for the last eight years. It's so stuffy."

She said Catherine was harshly treated, while women with skirts slit up to the thigh which were against the rules were being waved through.

The dress rules at Henley say that skirts have to be at least knee-length, while stripes, blazers and boaters are advised for gentleman.