A HIGH-FLYING commercial marketing manager swapped her high-heel shoes and briefcase for an overall and pumps to become a sewing machinist for a day.

And the sewing machinist took on the manager's role as part of the job-swap scheme at Cavalier Carpets, Thomas Street Industrial Estate, Blackburn.

The company was taking part in National Job Swap Day, a scheme to help people get an insight into what goes on in other departments at work.

Marketing boss Hazel Walker originally planned to drive a fork-lift truck for the day, but that had to be abandoned for health and safety reasons, so she opted for what she thought was going to be the easier option -- to be a machinist for the day. But she couldn't have been more mistaken.

Hazel swapped her daily duties with machinist Marion Gould, who has been working at the company for three years.

Hazel said: "I have had a real laugh. It was an eye-opening experience. Because I don't come down into this department, I didn't quite realise just what went on down here.

"It has been very enjoyable, although I don't think I could cope being down here all the time. I am happy meeting and greeting the outside world."

Marion said: "It has been a change but I would not like to take over Hazel's job - it is far too boring for me. After I had finished opening the mail I had nothing to do so I just read some carpet magazines - I am sure it isn't as easy as this for Hazel.

"I will stick with sewing my carpets any day. It is tough at the top and I am happy where I am. I will leave the hard work for Hazel."

The two ladies were graded for their progress throughout the day. Hazel gained nine out of 10 for labelling the samples but just six out of 10 for her sewing skills. Marion gained nine out of 10 for her basic office skills and the same score for her telephone manner.