Widow Tracey Scholes, 57, was one of the first female bus drivers in Manchester and has driven routes for 34 years.

       But when Go North West changed the wing mirrors on their vehicles, five-foot Tracey said she could not see them without lifting her feet off the pedals.

       The company switched her to school buses instead, but it meant five fewer hours a week and a loss of pay.

       More than 25,200 people have signed a petition to support her ahead of an appeal to try to keep her full hours and wages.

       Yesterday Tracey said: "If they cut my hours I stand to lose around ￡230 a month.

       I've got three children, I'm a widow, with a mortgage. I can't take a pay cut."

       Backed by the Unite union, Mrs Scholes, from Heywood, Greater Manchester, said she has endured comments all her working life. She added: "And I've dealt with that. I've not gone to management.When I started 34 years ago, I could drive everything in that depot. But I can't drive that bus now."

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       Mrs Scholes has had support from celebrities such as Maxine Peake.

       Go North West said: "The design of the mirrors was agreed after consultation with Unite. All our other drivers of similar height to Tracey are able to view them safely.

       "When Tracey raised a concern with us, we made numerous proposals to accommodate her. Unfortunately, all were rejected. We are sorry we were left with no choice but to bring this driver's employment to an end."