MOVES are afoot to have women competing in the all-male world of Formula One style racing.

Hazel Stephenson lives in Meltham and works in Manchester .

But her spare time - after caring for an array of exotic pets - is spent behind the wheel. Hazel is competing for a place in next year's Formula Woman championships.

It is no soft option: competition is as tough as it is for Formula One.

Some 4,000 women applicants entered the contest this year and Hazel got through to the top 100.

She now goes on to compete at Pembrey, Llanelli in South Wales, this weekend, bidding for a place in the final 16 to compete in Formula Woman.

The 16 will get the opportunity to take part in the national race series next August and September.

After discovering she had been selected for consideration in November 2004, she travelled to Teesside Autodrome, where she and other contestants were put through a series of gruelling assessment laps.

The drivers were also put through a series of go-karting sessions and endured fitness and theory tests.

Following her success Hazel took her ARDS National B racing licence at Thruxton, Hampshire last week and is now licensed to thrill in the exciting race weekend at Pembry.

The weekend will consist of four races.

Hazel, 25, said: "I wanted to drive as soon as I turned 17 and passed my test in three and a half months.

"I went karting for the first time in 2001 and since then have enjoyed taking part in team endurance events at Three Sisters in Warrington.

"Our team, which includes my husband, Kevin, came in first place in May this year.

"I have trained hard for thecompetition - it is a fantastic opportunity and I am so thrilled to be in the top 100 women."

Hazel has secured sponsorship from Linda Stott, an independent distributor for Herbalife, a sports nutrition company. She has also been sponsored by Stephensons Tree Services, a company run by her husband.

* For more details on the televised women's contest visit www.formulawoman.com