ROSIE Plumley scoffs at Formula 1 star Jenson Button's suggestion that women can't drive.

In fact this local grandmother is so sure of their competence that she's set up a taxi firm in Ferndown employing only women.

It might put you in mind of the film Carry On Cabby, in which Hattie Jacques set up her women-only firm Glam Cabs.

Rosie says the elderly, parents and women generally feel safer and less at risk of attack if a woman is at the wheel. It's that perceived fear that's led to her setting up Roadrunners Taxi Service, and she hopes to build up a fleet of cars.

Rosie, 42, said: "I beg to differ with Jenson's comment women can't drive. I had a police officer in my car this morning and he was more than happy. He even suggested I get in contact with police in this area so they can recommend me to women who feel vulnerable."

Asked whether she ever feels at risk ferrying around drunken men, Rosie said: "I've never had anyone do a runner without paying or been assaulted. But I have been thinking about sending off for some pepper spray just in case."

With the business in its early stages Rosie and her staff Andrea Ellis and Toni Westbrook have been working long hours.

"We try to be available all day - I've been called out of bed at 3.45am.

"The business will never be as big as United but I hope to build it to such a level that I don't have to do the driving," she added.

Roadrunners can be contacted on 01202 876367.

First published: November 1