WORCESTER Rowing Club have broken a long-held tradition by electing a female captain for the first time in their 142-year history.

Anna Singleton, who has spent the last two years as joint vice-captain, has taken over the reins from Dominic O’Loghlin in a breakthrough moment for the club.

The 31-year-old has described her appointment as a “great honour” and expressed her determination to “improve the standard of rowing” in the city.

She joins a long list of people who have captained the club since it was founded in 1874 but is the first woman to hold that position.

“It goes without saying that to be the first female captain of Worcester Rowing Club since its establishment over 142 years ago is a great honour,” said Sheffield-born Singleton.

“I have been privileged enough to have been a member of the club for the past three years and within that time I have been immersed in the club’s sporting opportunities through holding the role of joint vice-captain for the previous two years.

“Worcester is perhaps the largest amateur rowing club in the region.

“With over 250 competitive members spanning 10 different squads, we are certainly diverse and all encompassing.”

This year has seen the club achieve success at the prestigious Henley Women’s Regatta along with triumphs at the Home International Regatta and Masters Championships.

Blind rower Harrison Keasey was also named disability sports person of the year at the City of Worcester Sports Awards.

Singleton continued: “I’m in the fortunate position to have been handed the reins to the club in such a strong position.

“Every squad under our past captain Dom’s lead has achieved greatness and gold medals from the most prestigious competitions our sport has to offer with the pinnacle of this being a win at Women’s Henley.”

Singleton said she had put together “some great aims” to help Worcester push on under her leadership.

“I am full of ideas to further grow our membership, improve the standard of rowing and strengthen our links with other sporting clubs and the city itself,” she said.

“However, at the heart of it I want every member to feel appreciated, welcome and proud to be part of Worcester.

“This club are only as successful as they are because of our strong work ethic and sense of teamwork from within the membership.

“I have a great team working with me in my vice-captains Shaun Fisher and Richard Foulds this year who are going to help me ensure another successful season for Worcester.”

Outgoing captain O’Loghlin, who had led the club since 2014, said: “I am really pleased Anna has got the captaincy as it was contested and she was up against a strong candidate in Aidan Melarkey.

“Over the last two years Anna has shown she has put the hours in for the club, so I am over the moon for her as she’s a great candidate.”