1 February 2008: The UK's first woman-in-tights

Queen Elizabeth II has just appointed the first woman to be a Serjeant at Arms in the Houses of Parliament.

The role, which dates back to 1415 and the reign of King Henry V, has always previously been done by men. The Serjeants at Arms are the only persons in the Commons allowed to carry a sword, and are often jokingly referred to as "the men in tights" because of members' traditional uniform that includes knee-length breeches, stockings and buckled shoes.

Now Jill Pay has become the first female Serjeant at Arms, taking over from Major General Peter Grant Peterkin, who retired in December.

The post remains a royal appointment and the holder is usually an ex-serviceman, but Ms Pay previously worked in advertising.