SHE is a rock fan who lists Marilyn Manson as one of her favourite acts and travels the country attending music festivals.

Following a recent gig in Wrexham, she was at a house party until 3am before driving to Cardiff for the Women’s Institute AGM at 9am the next morning.

It may not be the jam-making, Jerusalem-singing behaviour associated with most WI members, but as the youngest branch president in Wales, 34-year-old Swffryd woman Bethan Brunell wants to dissolve stereotypes about the organisation.

When she joined Crumlin WI 18 months ago, Mrs Brunell was the youngest member by 35 years and was greeted by "hugs, kisses and the warmest welcome".

She had wanted to join for years after being inspired by a television programme on the WI’s work and finally "took the plunge".

Part-time carer Mrs Brunell said most people don’t realise how relevant the WI is, dealing with current issues like climate change and fair trade.

Mrs Brunell, married to Steve, 41, said: "Different generations shouldn’t feel alienated from each other.

“There seems a phobia of them mixing, but the WI is current, now and is about women of all ages achieving."

Mrs Brunell became president of the Crumlin branch earlier this year.

The Funeral for a Friend and Ramones fan attended her first WI AGM in June expecting it to be "dull" with her falling asleep by lunchtime.

But, she called it "the most inspiring day of my life", with the speakers making her realise what a hugely influential non-political pressure group the WI is.

Mrs Brunell, of Rectory Road, Swffryd, lists "gothic rock" as her favourite music and attends festivals with teenage daughter Megan.

She said: "I don’t think many WI members go to big biker bashes, but there is no reason why the WI should be exclusively linked with blue rinses and home made preserves."

To join Crumlin WI, call Mrs Brunell on 07730531400.