AN ancient order of Freemen is hoping to score a unlikely victory for women.

Women have been precluded from membership of Durham Freemen since the organisation, established to protect the interests of city artisans, was founded.

For more than 700 years, the status was passed from father to son, with daughters not welcome.

Young men who served an apprentice in the city were also admitted, but not craftswomen.

However, John Heslop, leader of the freemen, wants the rules changed.

Mr Heslop, whose official title is chairman of the wardens of City of Durham Freemen, hopes his daughter, Kate Luther, will become the city's first "freewoman".

"In this day and age, it's absolutely iniquitous you should have an exclusively male organisation," he said.

"I can't see why male apprentices should have access to anything female apprentices don't. It seems downright unfair.

"It flies in the face of the spirit and ethics of equal opportunities and it means 50 per cent of the talent we could draw upon is denied to us."

For the Freemen to admit women, a law must be passed.

The Freemen of England and Wales have drafted a Bill and tried several times to get it through Parliament, without success.

However, Mr Heslop, 62, who inherited freemen membership from his father-in-law and is chairman of the guild of curriers and tallow handlers, is hopeful the establishment of a County Durham unitary council in 2009 will allow the change to be made closer to home.

"We've had to use a Private Member's Bill in Parliament, so every time somebody raises an objection it falls.

"But the Government has now said as part of the new arrangements, local authorities will be empowered to change their own regulations.

"We're hoping this will lead to a change here, but at the moment it's - watch this space."

Meanwhile, Mrs Luther says she is keen to step into the all-male world.

"I would really like to become a member," the 28-year-old said.

"I attend all the Freemen dinners and the members don't seem to have a problem with it.

"It seems silly women can't be involved. It's very old-fashioned."