One of the oldest golf clubs in Britain has finally lifted its ban on female members.

After 128 years, Royal St George's members have voted to lift the ban with immediate effect.

The course in Kent, which is on the roster of Open Championship venues, says that it is looking forward to welcoming ladies as junior and full members.

In a statement, the club said: "Under the Club’s rules, the resolution would only be passed if it obtained the support of three-quarters of the votes cast on the ballot. More than 81 per cent of the full members took part in the ballot and a decisive 90 per cent voted in favour of ladies being eligible for membership."

Royal St George last hosted the British Open major championship in 2011, when Europe's 2016 Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke emerged victorious.