WOMEN who feel they are being given a raw deal by car mechanics are being targeted by a Darlington business.

Sarah Appleyard, co-owner of the Appleyards Service Centre, wants to dispel women's fears about being taken advantage of by rogue mechanics and help them understand the difference between a carburettor and a timing belt, how to check the oil and tyre pressure, and how to change a wheel.

The mother-of-two has been in the car business for five years, and said she believed she had found a niche in the market by concentrating on offering car services for women.

She said: "It is not uncommon for women to feel they are being taken advantage of when they are handed a bill for work they do not understand.

"They are often unfamiliar with the mechanics of the car and, ultimately, feel they are paying too much for a standard job, but are left with no alternative than to believe the mechanic when he says that the work was essential."

Mrs Appleyard wants to dispel women's fears of mechanics.

She said: "As a woman, I know of the frustration felt when somebody tries to baffle you, feeling 'if I had a man with me, they would not do this'.

"We are not about hard sell. We concentrate on safety and doing a reputable job at a fair price, with full agreement prior to work being carried out and a full explanation of why the work is needed."

Mrs Appleyard has managed to set up a good client base, with 95 per cent of work coming in as repeat business.

The Service Centre has just moved premises from Newton Lane to Nestfield Industrial Estate. The move was fuelled by the need to expand to accommodate more vehicles.

Mrs Appleyard is running a free evening workshop on general car maintenance in the autumn. To reserve a place at the workshop, on October 7 at 7pm, or to book a vehicle in for a service, contact (01325) 366660