Maira Qureshi probably never have thought she would be driving taxi's for a living.

But that is exactly what she does and is believed to be the only female Muslim taxi driver in the area. The twenty-eight year old set up her own firm, Forget Me Not Private Hire, six months ago and business has been so good she is hoping to employ new staff soon.

The former social worker was given the idea by her mother who noticed that many women and children would feel more comfortable being driven around by a female.

Maria told us, "My mother has always been supportive and just said to me one day it would really take off. Then she added why don't you just get up and do it. So I did."

"It's not been as challenging as I thought but that is probably because I only provide a service to women and children."

"I have been getting the odd funny look from other taxi-drivers but the first thing I notice when I pull up to someone's address is the smile on their face."

"Most people say it's a great idea and it's about time someone decided to do it."

"It is also easier for women to talk to other women and we always end up having great conversations. I can relate to them and I love children."

Maira, of Blackburn says she wanted to provide a service that would make women and children feel safer.

"Some clients have told me they would not have travelled if it had not been for me. My main aim was always to make sure women and children could travel in safety without any worries."

"Most taxi-drivers do a great job but I hope I've changed the image of your average cab driver. Some customers are happy with the extra reassuarance."

"Although some taxi-drivers may be renowned for their careless driving I am always extra careful especially when I have children in the car."

She is aware of the dangers faced by some drivers. She says, "It can be dangerous but I don't do late shifts and as I work from home my family know which job I am on. I think it is also easier transporting only women and children."

"I haven't had any problems and my clients are always respectful."

Maira hopes to employ new staff and isn't bothered if they Muslim or not.

"I think it's better to have good mixture of people from all backgrounds in a business. I have always thought that as long as they can drive and are friendly I don't see what the problem is."