The 'ultimate' WI members crowned

Mrs Cunningham said the interest has seen membership increase

The "ultimate" Women's Institute (WI) members have been chosen following a nationwide search.

Emma Cunningham, 35, from Bramley, Hampshire and Valerie Wood-Gaiger, 67, from Llandovery in Wales, have been crowned W-Icons.

The pair will host six internet video guides ranging from energy saving in the home and good housekeeping to sexual health for the over-50s.

Mrs Cunningham said a modern approach to WI helped her take the prize.

She has introduced burlesque dancing and sex talks alongside the traditional cake-making and gardening workshops.

'Extraordinary women'

The mother-of-two said: "I was worried our approach wouldn't sit very well with the WI but to win this prize shows we're on the right track.

"The response has been amazing, we've had so many new members sign up and people asking to set up their own meetings."

Mrs Wood-Gaiger has three grown-up children, seven grandchildren and one great grandson. She writes educational books and has received the MBE for innovation in education.

They each also pick up £10,000 to donate to a local community project of their choice.

The W-Icons search started in June at the National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) AGM in Liverpool in conjunction with Sky.

Over the following months entries were whittled down to a short-list of 10 who each had to submit a video of themselves.

Mrs Cunningham has uploaded her tape to the YouTube website.

Fay Mansell, NFWI chair, said: "On behalf of everyone involved with the Women's Institute, I'd like to congratulate Emma and Valerie on their achievement.

"Both are extraordinary women with the true sprit of the WI running through their veins."