SNOOKER-mad Paula Rawsthorn has been barred from playing a frame at a local social club — because she is a woman.

The 29-year-old was racking the balls up at the Astley Bridge Conservative Club when she was told by punters the snooker table was for men only.

She took the matter up with staff, and was stunned when they confirmed members of the fairer sex were banned from playing.

Miss Rawsthorn says her anger was heightened when a punter suggested if she came back in suspenders, they would relax the rules.

Now she has vowed never to vote Conservative again and has boycotted the club in protest at their stance.

The office worker, who lives in Bradshaw, said: “At first I thought it was a joke when I was told I couldn’t play. But I checked it out with a member of staff and he said I wasn’t allowed.

“When I tried to protest one man shouted that I could play if I came back in suspenders. I was mortified.

“I only went out for a quiet drink with my chap and thought I would have a game of snooker. I never expected to be discriminated against. We are living in the 21st century.

“I’ll stick to playing pool at my local pub and will not be voting Conservative again. It is unbelievable that sexism still exists like this. When I tried to say it was wrong the men just laughed.”

A spokesman for the Equality and Human Rights Commission said last night that current legislation means that in certain circumstances, private members clubs are not bound by the sex discrimination act.

But he added: “Under a shake-up of equality laws this could change. If passed by Parliament changes to rules affecting private clubs and associations would mean those with mixed membership could no longer treat women differently.”

Bosses at Astley Bridge Conservative Club, in Moss Bank Way, refused to comment, but one member said: “Women are not members of the club are not allowed to play snooker. They can be associate members but are still not allowed to play snooker. It is in the rules.

“There have been members who have asked for women to be allowed to become full members but it has been voted against at the annual meeting.”