The 'Lillies' hope that the new range of activities now on offer, which also include salsa evenings and fashion shows, will encourage more young
women to join.

The group also wants to challenge traditionally-held views of the WI organisation.

President Abi Tugwood said: "We're trying to give our women's institute a facelift and want to show everyone that we're not just about making
jam and singing Jerusalem.

"I'd like to get rid of the stigma attached to the WI.

"We'll all be having a go at the poledancing, even my mother who's 64 - we like to think of ourselves as a modern society who know how to have
fun."

Although she is currently trying to recruit younger members, Ms Tugwood insists that women of all ages are welcome.

She added: "It's hard to get young people to join us and we want that to change. However, I believe that the Women's Institute is for all ages and backgrounds, from housewives to businesswomen.

"We cater for everyone by mixing more traditional activities such as raffles and baking with more modern ones."

Chairman of the Warwickshire Federation of Women's Institutes, Jan Wade,
said: "It is up to each individual group to sort their programme of events out to suit their members.

"Abi is trying to provide the sort of Women's Institute that also appeals to younger people and we want to help her do that."

She believes that the Women's Institute needs to move with the times.

She added: "The pole dancing lady has already visited several groups in the area and has proved very popular. Widening people's horizons is
a good thing.

"These sort of organisations need to keep bringing in new ideas in order to thrive. We live in a modern society and the Women's Institute needs to reflect the times we live in."

The Lillies meet at the Lime Avenue Social Club in Lillington on the second Thursday of every month (7.30pm). New members will be made welcome.