When Dr Sarah Wollaston was elected to Parliament in 2010, she became the Totnes constituency’s first woman MP.

But just over 100 years ago, she wouldn’t even have been able to vote.

On February 6, 1918, the first Act giving women the power to vote was passed in Parliament.

In 1918, the Representation of the People Act gave women of property over the age of 30 the right to vote, which signified an important first step for female suffrage in the UK.

The Bill was passed by an overwhelming majority in the House of Commons (365 for to 55 against), after years of campaigning from two main groups, the suffragists and the suffragettes.On twitter, Dr Sarah Wollaston said it was "truly wonderful" to see the Acts of Parliament that made it "possible for women to vote" and "to take their seats".It was thanks "to the sacrifice, courage and determination of so many suffragettes and suffragists".

For more on this story and about the campaign for women’s right to vote in the South Hams, see Friday’s paper.