Pioneers Childs Ercall have unveiled Jan Haycox as the first female captain in the all-male world of the Furrows Shropshire Premier Bowls League.

Haycox takes over from her partner John Breeze as the chief of the north Shropshire club.

And one of her first jobs is the daunting task of having to replace one of the county’s biggest stars, Peter Farmer.

The four-time County Merit winner has opted to move to Newport, leaving Haycox with a giant void to fill as she looks to build a side capable of thriving in the elite.

“It’s an honour to be appointed, though it won’t be if I take them out of the league at the end of the season,” she said.

“I’m the first ever lady captain in the league, but I don’t want to be the first ever lady captain to be relegated too!”

Haycox has already been boosted by confirmation that Staffordshire and Woodfield star Nick Newey will continue to turn out for the club.

She has also snapped up county junior Ryan Frost and his father Nigel from Market Drayton club The Corbet.

“We were a bit disappointed to lose Peter because we thought he’d stay a little bit longer – but you can’t stop people going if that is what they want to do,” added Haycox.

“We’ve been doing a little bit of wheeling and dealing and we’re just waiting for a couple of players to get back to us who would definitely strengthen the squad.”