NYKI Martin is adding a feminine touch to a north Swindon building site. Nyki, 29, is the assistant site manager at a KingsOak site in Priory Vale.

She's one of a growing number of women going into construction and says she has no qualms about working with brickies, having run pubs for several years.

"I ran public houses for eight years and in general most of the regulars were men so I've learned to cope with their varying ways," she said.

"I have entered into this job with an open mind and I have a lot to learn. I am still in the minority but women are being encouraged into the industry. A lot of men have commented on how good it is to have a woman on site 'to sort the men out and keep them in line'."

Nyki, who comes from and still lives in Swindon, says she was treated slightly differently at first with people apologising for swearing but is now seen as part of the gang.

And she says that the "fat, hairy, butty-eating, lecherous" stereotype of builders is still accurate although admits that some are quite muscular and lithe.

When she was younger she wanted to be a crane driver and a radio presenter, and says her ambition is to be in charge of her own site.