Behind a row of Harley-Davidsons, a pink-haired woman dressed in leather is smoking a cigarette. This must be the place.

At an old car garage on an industrial estate in Radcliffe, I'm about to meet the feisty female motorcycle gang known as Hell's Belles.

As I head through the garage into their club house - otherwise known as The Cauldron - I feel like I'm entering an arcane realm, or a Buffy the Vampire Slayer set.

On the wall, there's a huge emblem of a witch riding a motorcycle, behind the outline of a pentagram star. Not only are they bikers, they're Pagan witches too.

There are around 30 women at tonight's meet. I'm surrounded by leather, tattoos and piercings - but also smiles, hugs, and cake. It's like a twisted tea party.

I'm greeted by Deb Rowley - a cashier in Morrison's by day and a fast and furious motorcycle queen by night. At 31, she's the youngest member and Vice President of Hell's Belles.

"Don't be nervous" she says, "I was really scared when I first came here. I was told never to approach members of a back patch motorcycle club - as they're dangerous.

"That's not true though" she adds. "We're all lovely."

Deb gives me a reassuring smile and tells me a bit more about the club.

Founded in 2010 - on Halloween - Hell's Belles is breaking new ground in the motorcycle world. It's the only independent women's back patch club in the UK, otherwise known as a WMC.

Back patch clubs have a formal hierarchy, all following a similar suit. The President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Sergeant at Arms are known as 'officers' and are the highest ranking members.

Members can earn a higher ranking by proving they are trustworthy, committed and loyal.

Although there are other female clubs in the country, they are backed by male clubs and don't wear their own back patch.

Deb tells me: "Hell's Belles is the only independent WMC in the country, which can be pretty tough when riding in a man's world.

"Marking our own independence means we're vulnerable to conflict, and a threat to other clubs. We've dealt with some trouble in the past."

The club president tells me how dangerous it can be for them.

Rachel, aged 61, didn't want to reveal her surname. She said: "If the wrong club finds out my surname and they've got a problem - I'm the first one they'll go after."

A biker for more than over 45 years, Rachel has been with Hell's Belles from the very beginning, and has had to deal with some scary stuff.

She says: "Men can be intimidating, they don't like us having a back patch as it means we don't need their support.

"We've earned our respect the hard way. We've had death threats sent through the door and dealt with some tough characters from outlaw clubs - but we're breaking new ground, and it's worth the bumpy ride."

"It can be frightening and men can be territorial. We have problems with one particular club who I don't want to name, as it will only cause more."

Regardless of this, the ladies agree it's all about showing strength and communicating with other clubs to resolve conflict.

Club Sergeant, Carla Powell, 41, says: "If there's a problem, we'll try to sort it calmly. We don't want trouble, but we won't take any s**t either."

Thankfully, there is a lighter side to bike life. Aside from the Monday night meet, Hell's Belles go to rallies, alliances, and head out on casual rides at the weekend.

Curry nights are also a firm favourite, along with boozy parties at The Cauldron.

"We party WAY harder than the men - they've got nothing on us when it comes to partying", Deb laughs.

The ladies usually head out to the countryside on their weekend rides, driving to Ponderosa in the Yorkshire Dales and Hoghton Tower in Lancashire.

Meeting up with other clubs from all over the world, they also attend the annual Yorkshire Pudding Rally in Helmsley and the world's largest all-female biker meet, at Ace Cafe in North London.

Taking Hell's Belles on tour, Deb also reveals plans for a team trip to Holland later this year for the huge Centrum Rally.

So, how do you get invited into Hell's Belles secret inner circle? Turns out, it can take YEARS to be a fully-pledged member.

Sergeant Carla says: “I found Hell's Belles on Facebook and came down for a brew one Monday. After a year of earning their trust and proving myself to the club, I was declared a full member.

"I wasn't the best rider when I joined. I'd just bought my ex a bike, so decided to have a go myself. The girls were so supportive and helped me learn.

"There are women from all different backgrounds who come to ride with us. We've got a nail technician, a carer - we'd quite like a hairdresser next."

President, Rachel, says: “It's all about trust, and trust takes a long time to build. It can take up to three years to earn your back patch, if you haven't got one by then - you aren't getting one at all.

"We need to make sure women are strong enough to handle trouble and they won't go starting any with other clubs.”

Fancy earning your back-patch? The Hell's Belles are heading to the Manchester Bike Show on March 24, offering cake and hugs on stand C43.