WHEN Tracey Booker grew tired of nail varnish and make-up, she decided on a complete career change.

The former cosmetics counter assistant at Boots swapped her white coat for industrial overalls and trained to become a plumber.

Tracey, 35, has now started work as the first woman plumber in Heywood.

"The job at Boots wasn't going anywhere and I've always thought plumbing seemed interesting, so I decided to give it a go and joined RBC Plumbing and Heating Engineers as an apprentice," said Tracey, who lives in Radcliffe with husband Christopher.

Despite being the only female plumber at the Bury Road company, the mother of two soon found her feet and says being a woman is a boon when it comes to offering tips on bathrooms.

"I think it's a definite advantage being female as you tend to see things differently to men with regard to colour schemes in bathrooms and layouts."

Tracey loves her job and wouldn't change it for the world - and her enthusiasm has even rubbed off on her 10-year-old son Joseph.

"I can't see our seven-year-old daughter ever becoming a plumber, she's far too girly. But Joseph thinks it's great and said it's what he wants to do after school," she said.

Have you had a total career change?