WOMEN will be allowed to serve on UK submarines for the first time, it was revealed yesterday.

The first 20 female submariners will sail on Vanguard-class subs carrying Trident nuclear missiles.

But allowing women on submarines could lead to sex scandals, it was claimed last night.

Some Navy chiefs fear Wrens and male sailors living together in close quarters will break strict "no touching" rules.

Initially, five women officers will be deployed with each of the four Vanquish-class nuclear subs' 135-strong crew. But a naval source said last night: "There is concern over what might happen.

"If there was a sex scandal it would be impossible for anyone to be taken off until the sub returned from its three-month patrol. The Navy will go to great lengths to make sure that the first women are officers with impeccable credentials."

The Navy was hit by a string of scandals after Wrens were allowed to go to sea in 1990. The stories died away as the novelty wore off.

Until now female crew have been barred from subs due to fears that three months underwater could cause pregnant women to miscarry. But year-long tests have proved there is no risk.

Designers say Vanguard subs can be easily converted to give women their own area with showers and bunks.

The Royal Navy has suffered problems recruiting submariners. An MoD spokesman said: "The policy on women serving in submarines is under review. This review is expected to be completed later this year."