An Irvine woman has become the first female Kilwinning Archers captain for more than 50 years.

History was made at the groups recent Captaincy shoot and Papingo event when the Captaincy of the Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers was won by Laura McHarg who becomes their first lady Captain for 53 years.

Laura grew up in Irvine, attending Broomlands Primary and then Greenwood Academy and works as a veterinary surgeon.

She had always been interested in trying archery but never had the opportunity to do any real shooting until she joined the Ancient Society in 2014.

The Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers was formed in 1483 and in all that time have only had two Lady Captains until Laura won to become the third earlier this month.

The two previous lady Captains were, Margaret Thomson 60 years ago in 1958 and Dorothy Gough 53 years ago in 1965.

Stuart Wilson said: “The ladies shoot the same number of arrows, at the same distance and at the same small targets as the men, so the competition is completely on equal terms across the field.

“In this instance we had a club record number (43) of members shooting as well and Laura beat them all! Laura is also a regular member of the Society’s team that shoots in the very popular Ayrshire Archery League.”

Laura’s medal will now go onto the ancient society’s Silver Arrow, joining 170 others with the first dated 1697.

Alongside all the past Captains she is proud to represent a club that has been going from strength to strength in recent years.