A CO-OPERATIVE nursery is taking steps to find new premises.

The group, based at Shotley Bridge, near Consett, has secured a £1,000 grant to help with its proposed relocation.

Money was awarded through the North Eastern and Cumbrian Co-op's community dividend scheme.

Stepping Stones provides daily nursery education for 44 youngsters up to the age of four.

The non-profit making group, which operates on co-operative principles, was set up in 1997 and is based at Shotley Bridge Hospital.

However, as part of the re-development of the hospital site, the nursery's building is to be demolished.

Staff are looking at a number of potential sites in the area and the grant will be used to fund a planning application and survey costs.

Over 300 projects in the North-East and Cumbria have been supported through the Co-op's community dividend scheme over the past 12 months. Grant application forms are available from the Co-op food stores.