When Louise Lawrence split with her surfer boyfriend, she was determined not to give up the sport she had grown to love.

Instead the 31-year-old decided to take the plunge and set up what is believed to be the country's first all-girl surf club.

She created a group on social networking site Facebook and after starting out with just two members the Brighton Board Girls now boasts more than more than 30 surfers.

Louise, of Brunswick Square, Hove, said: "When I first met my ex-boyfriend he said I would have to learn to surf because it was his passion.

"I was tentative at first but I grew to love it. When we split up I realised I had no van to carry my board and I didn't fancy going out surfing alone.

"I set up the Facebook group and word seemed to get around quite quickly. Suddenly I had about 15 members join the group - and I knew none of them."

That number has now swelled to more than 30 and the club has become the talk of surfing messageboards and websites.

Cliff Cox, a local surfing instructor and ex-world pro, even turned up to the girl's first meeting last month at the Tin Drum, in Hove.

The following day five of the girls met for an early morning surf session in Shoreham to christen the new club.

Louise added: "I didn't want to give up a sport I loved but at the same time I was very nervous of turning up to the surf spots alone and also coming face-to-face with the ex and his mates.

"Surfers can be quite territorial about their waves as well so it can be intimidating.

"I had spent two years surfing and have only just learned to stand on the board, so I was determined not to give up.

"All the girls I've met have been brilliant and it's been great fun so far. We will go out surfing in all weathers and give the guys a run for their money.

"The group is a way of making girls feel more comfortable in what is a male-dominated sport.

"I'm planning to organise trips down to Devon and to France as well, so it's really taken off."

Mark Parry, of the British Surfing Association, said: "It is certainly very unusual and the first all girls surf club I have heard about.

"Surfing is a very male-dominated sport, and I'd say as little as three per cent of those in the water are female.

"This is very encouraging to hear about and I wish them all the best."

Already Louise has been approached by companies looking to sponsor the group and has been given a stand at this year's Paddle Round The Pier event.

The Brighton Board Girls meet on the second Thursday of each month at the Tin Drum in Hove.

Girl surfers of all abilities are welcome.

To get involved, email Louise at louise.lawrence@preciousmedia.net or call the Brighton Board Girls on 07979 537452.