A TRADESWOMAN who learned the tricks of the trade from trailing her dad around the house as a child has started her own business run completely by the fairer sex.

Julie Fowles discovered a niche for Jobs for the Girls after hearing complaints of dirty, messy workmen who talked in unintellible jargon and failed to turn up on time.

And the business, which at the moment focuses on painting and decorating, is going from strength to strength in the city, which boasts just a handful of handywomen.

"Most of my customers are women or the elderly who appreciate someone who can answer their questions without making them feel stupid," said the 42-year-old, who is learning interior design and plans to embark on a plumbing course in September.

"And funnily enough, I've also had men saying Jobs for the Girls is the answer to their dreams."

An elderly customer of Mrs Fowles agreed the idea was a winner for people of her age group.

"I've never had a male tradesman as my late husband always did the DIY," said the 70-year-old, from Upton-upon-Severn.

"But Julie was so much tidier and gave 100 per cent to the job.

"I think elderly people are more suspicious and would feel better about employing a woman."

It was Mrs Fowles' late father, Jack Keeble, who gave her the enthusiasm for handywork and, eventually, the idea for the firm.

"Instead of playing with dolls, I spent hours with my dad, helping around the garden and decorating the house," said the mother-of-one, from Whitecastle in Warndon Villages.

"Then, a few years ago I decorated my friend's house and enjoyed it so much, I decided to do it professionally."

When the business is properly established, Mrs Fowles hopes to take on a whole host of skilled tradeswomen, including electricians, plumbers, bricklayers and landscape gardeners.

"The woman's place is no longer in the home. The best of us are working in someone else's," she said.

To contact Jobs for the Girls, call 01905 754902 or 07947 875902.