WOMEN welders from Bolton are dispelling the myth that it is a man's world when it comes to engineering.

Kate Tennant, 30, and Cathryn Waudby, 29, are among a thousand local women working in the engineering industry today.

And there are a staggering 5,000 females employed as welders in the North-west as a whole.

But, despite the increase in female welders, research from WISE -- Women in Science and Engineering -- reveals that 61 per cent of women in the UK still believe engineering is "dirty".

A further 36 per cent think welding is definitely a job for the men, according to WISE.

But Cathryn, who works at BOC Gas and Gear Centre, Worsley, said: "I get a lot of surprised looks when I start talking about welding.

"The male customers give me a wary glance as if to say, oh yes, what do you know about welding.

"But then I start talking about the equipment and they soon realise that I know what's what."

Cathryn, of Bromley Cross, trained to be a welder as she started work at BOC -- a company policy to train all staff .

BOC bosses say they teach welding and cutting skills to everyone and can arrange courses for anyone.

Rob Meredith, manager, said: "What deters many women is a perception that welders are brawny males who work in dirty factories.

"Whereas increasing numbers of welders work in light engineering or electrical and electronic environments with lightweight, clean, modern equipment which is very female-friendly."

WISE say that more than 2,000 women a year are now graduating as engineers.

Kate Tennant, of Ladybridge, Bolton, said: "I was sent on various courses on-site and in-house. It's a great job and there's no big deal about it.

"All the women here know how to use the equipment - you have to to give accurate advise to customers."

Women interested in a career change are being invited to contact BOC on 0161 930 6061.