WOMEN will be allowed to serve in the SAS for the first time, the government has announced.

Women will be able to put themselves for selection to the SAS, which is based at Credenhill, along with the right to apply for all military roles in the British armed forces.

The move, dubbed 'historic', by the Ministry of Defence, was announced by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson at a land power demonstration on Salisbury Plain yesterday.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "Women have led the way with exemplary service in the armed forces for over 100 years, working in a variety of specialist and vital roles.

"So I am delighted that from today, for the first time in its history, our armed forces will be determined by ability alone and not gender."

He added: "Opening all combat roles to women will not only make the armed forces a more modern employer but will ensure we recruit the right person for the right role."

Women were unable to serve in ground combat roles until the ban was lifted by former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2016.