A CONSETT nursery's hoping to buy an industrial washing machine has been boosted by the Co-op's "divi fund".

The fund, which receives donations of dividends from shoppers at the North-Eastern and Cumbrian Co-op stores, gave £500 to the Stepping Stones Nursery, which recently moved on to the Number One Industrial Estate from its previous home, at Shotley Bridge Hospital.

Keith Anthony, of the Co-op's mid-Durham committee, said: "They asked for £500 and they got £500.

"This is part of the community dividend that the Co-op is involved in. The money comes from people who don't want odd pennies from their dividend payments and give them to the community.''

The nursery has been using domestic washing machines, but wants something more able to cope with the heavy loads of washing required each day.

The nursery is a workers' co-operative that has been operating for nine years and has 40 places including 12 for babies.

Manager Chris Proud said: "This cheque will make a big difference.

"The industrial washing machine will cost £700 and we'll get the rest from our funds."