A FORMER cook has swapped knifes and forks for fork-lift trucks and is busy building a new career.

Mum-of-four Janette Stanley, of Tintern Crescent, Little Harwood, needed to get back to work after her toddler started school.

But instead of slaving over a hot stove, Janette shed her apron and set about passing practical and theory tests to become a rough terrain fork lift truck driver.

And now the 34-year-old is helping to build the new Queen's Park Royal Infirmary, Blackburn.

She said: "I'm loving my job. My last job was as a cook, but when I wanted to return to work I went for this instead because it pays much more money than any of those jobs for the girls. I thought if the men can do it so can I.

"I'm the only woman on site among God knows how many men but they're all really nice.

"I get a bit of stick from the odd one but they're great - a real laugh."

Co-worker Dan Chamley said: "She fits in brilliantly with the rest of us. She's just like one of the lads.

"She seems to suit working on a building site. If we don't behave she just threatens to hit us with one of the scaffolding poles!"

Janette made the dramatic change with help from Blackburn-based employment scheme Action for Jobs.

An advisor worked with Janette to decide which career would be right for her and the organisation even paid for a licence to allow her to take the forklift driving test.

Janette added: "I'd say to other woman wanting to go for a traditional man's job is don't be shy, go for it."

Action for Jobs helps single parents and those receiving incapacity benefits return to work.

It offers one-to-one support and grants to help re-train or pay for transport to interviews.

Jobs advisor Mick Donnelly said: "We think Janette is a real success story.

"Her example is encouraging to other women who want to do these sorts of jobs."