With increasing numbers of women buying their own homes, they are also becoming less reliant on men to do their DIY. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports.

FORGET Handy Andy, these days it's more likely to be Handy Angela as women get to grips with DIY. With women like Carol Smillie and Lowri Turner leading the way with their home improvement programmes, Changing Rooms and DIY SOS, it seems that transforming your home is now becoming more of a female preoccupation.

Increasing numbers of home-owning women are also becoming less reliant on men to do their home improvement. A study carried out by Black & Decker shows that more and more women are improving their homes and, last year, Darlington College launched its first female only DIY course. The 12-week programme included joinery, plumbing, brickwork, painting, decorating and tips on how to use power tools.

The North-East's DIY stores are full of women who can't wait to get to grips with that cordless power drill.

Beverley Cochrane, who lives in Castleside near Consett, became a DIY fanatic two years ago and is currently laying laminate flooring in her dining room.

The 33-year-old says: "I split up with my boyfriend and I had to move into my own place. It needed a lot of work doing and I didn't have anyone to help to me, so I had to do it myself. I'd never really done any decorating before so I didn't really know where to start. I bought lots of magazines and just got ideas from there. Now I've done every room in the house and I've done everything from tiling to putting up shelves.

"Usually it's men who do all that stuff but it's not as hard as it looks and you don't need a man to come and put a shelf up for you. Once I got started, I found I really enjoyed it. There's nothing to stop you having a go."

And now there's a book designed specifically for women who want to do it themselves. Bridget Bodoano, author of Handywoman's Workbook, was inspired by the huge numbers of women living on their own, with little or no male help when it comes to work around the home.

"It's always a good idea for women to learn how to drill holes in walls, assemble furniture and put up shelves, although I wouldn't suggest that they tackle bigger tasks.

"For women, doing their own DIY is not only satisfying but they will also benefit from knowing that the job has been done properly - often at a fraction of the cost of employing a professional."

She suggests starting with a straightforward task. "Start off with putting up a coat hook. From there, you can move on to harder jobs like assembling a kitchen cupboard or repairing a door or window. When you are able to do those, the sky's your limit. You can add fixtures to doors and windows, install your own smoke or fire alarm, tile a room, add curtains and more."

However, the rising interest in interiors and number of people taking up DIY has led to a corresponding increase in accidents related to home improvement. Bodoano recommends keeping a fully-stocked first-aid kit but she says you should also make sure you follow instructions correctly and heed warnings before you start.

"It may sound like common sense but some people get quite excited at the prospect of DIY and they forget to read labels before opening. Wearing gloves, goggles and face masks will help protect your eyes, lungs and skin against irritants.

"Make sure that you take off any scarves, necklaces or long floaty clothes. Although carefully disarrayed hair looks sexy, that overlong fringe could cause you to make a fatal error, so it's best to tie it back or bundle it into a nice hat.

"It's also sensible to keep your arms and legs covered to guard against cuts, grazes and splashes. Wear comfortable footwear that is flexible - be aware that paint won't wash out and some products can bleach or even burn holes in clothing."

But she warns that it can be quite easy to get carried away.

"Major projects involving electricity, gas, water or structural alterations should always be left to a qualified professional who will be aware of any by-laws, planning laws, building regulations or legal requirements often involved with such work.

"Also, don't subject yourself to the risks entailed in the use of high ladders, contact with electricity, gas or potentially dangerous equipment and materials, hazardous dust and toxic fumes,'' Bodoano adds. Anything that involves lifting or handling heavy weights or large volumes benefits from brawn as well as skill.

"Doing It Yourself offers great satisfaction and enjoyment as well as the opportunity to save money, but don't be a martyr or feel like you are letting down the sisterhood of emancipated women by admitting you either hate, or just can't do, certain jobs and end up calling in a man.

"Lack of confidence and skill can lead to a poor or botched job which not only looks awful but can be costly to put right. Handywoman's Workbook shows how, with a few skills and not a huge great range of tools, you can make quite a difference to your house."

* The Handywoman's Workbook: How To Do It Yourself Without Breaking A Nail, by Bridget Bodoano is published by Quadrille, priced £12.99. Available now.