AN innovation by a watercooler and dehumidifier maker has been nominated for a Queen's Award.

Ebac, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, hopes that its WaterTrail cooler will be a winner at the Queen's Awards for Enterprise in April.

The WaterTrail keeps the inside of a cooler safe and hygienic by replacing all contact parts, including the air filter, each time a new water bottle is fitted.

Manufacturing director of Ebac Amanda Hird said: "To achieve recognition from the Queen's Awards for Enterprise would demonstrate the strength of North-East manufacturing and design.

"The WaterTrail is a prime example of how Ebac continues to develop through innovation and creativity."