The White Rose Line, based in York, has reported a dramatic fall in the number of women applying for this year's vacancies - despite increased interest from men.

White Rose Line crew member Anna Davey

The company is recruiting 38 seasonal crew and bar staff for its river trip and party boats.

Fewer than one-in-ten applications are from women this year. Previous years have seen three or four times as many women applying for jobs.

Shaun Irving, personnel manager at White Rose, which has 20 full-time employees, said: "We are at a loss to understand why women aren't applying - and hope more will do so in the next few weeks. This job is mostly about customer service - welcoming customers on to the boats, taking tickets, answering visitors' questions and serving drinks.

"There is nothing sexist about any of our jobs - and many people move into full-time tourism jobs at the end of the season."

Anna Davey joined White Rose as seasonal crew last year, worked in a local retail store over Christmas and came back for the new season a few weeks ago. She said: "I had such a great time here last year. Working in the shop in the winter just wasn't the same atmosphere. Here you get trained and supported all the way.

"It's a brilliant job - like being on holiday half the time. I love working in the evenings, particularly on the party charters. The customers really enjoy themselves and you find yourself relaxing with them. There's real team spirit here."

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