THE FIRST female Master of the Gild of Butchers has been appointed in York at a Shrove Tuesday ceremony.

Sarah-Jane Trueman has been installed as the Master of the Company of Butchers in the City of York in the Parish and Guild Church of All Saints Pavement Church in York, led by Chaplain the Reverend Jane Nattrass, Priest-in-Charge of 7 York City Centre Churches.

At the Court meeting, the Rev Nattrass dedicated a new Master's Robe to the new Master Sarah-Jane Trueman.

The company, also known as the Gild of Butchers, has a history spanning more than seven hundred years and this is the first time a woman has been Master.

Mrs Trueman, who runs Johnsons of Thirsk with her husband Andrew, said she was thrilled to be the first woman Master.

“I was invited to join the Gild of Butchers around 14 years ago – my father and husband are members too.

“When I was asked to be Master there was no way I was going to say no, being the first woman.

“Everyone has been really supportive and my family are so pleased.”

Mrs Trueman also handed out an award for apprentice of the year at the ceremony.

Revd Nattrass said: "It was a delight to see history being made with Sarah-Jane becoming the first woman to be Master of the Butchers Gild and to see George receiving the apprentice award.

“The Gild has been in existence since Mediaeval times and it is a pleasure to be part of such an historic organisation and to welcome them to church."