DIRECTORS of Creche-n-Co nursery group were this week toasting the National Lotteries Board after a handout of £100,000.

The group which which owns Fairfield Nursery and manages two in Rochdale will use the grant from the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) to build a nursery on the site of a former pub.

The Victoria Public House on Buckley Street, Bury, will be demolished and Woodfield Nursery built in its place.

Mrs Lorraine Darlington, a director of Creche-n-Co, said: "We acquired the building in May and are delighted that our bid has been successful.

"Initially we had hoped to convert the building but this will prove too expensive, so it will be knocked down and a new building built in its place."

The nursery will offer 60 NOF funded places for children under five years and parent and training facilities.

Mrs Darlington said: "We will also operate an after-school club with ten places. There is a real need for good quality care at affordable prices in the area. Crech-n-Co, which is an non profit making body, has strived to offer this when we were established in 1989."

The nursery is due to open next February.