I AM writing in response to the comments made by "Lottery Watcher" regarding the recent Lottery grant application by Little Holcombe Nursery (June 14).

I am a single parent, whose working life is further complicated by having to work shifts. I rely solely on a local private day nursery for childcare so I can hold down a job, as the only state-run nursery in Bury had no vacancies. My child is happy, safe and confident at his nursery, and if a Lottery windfall helps to extend this service to others then where is the harm?

The New Opportunities Fund "giving" the £23,000 to Little Holcombe sounds, in theory, very easy. However, I imagine that to qualify for such a large amount of money would require a great deal of hard work from Mr and Mrs Butterworth and all at the nursery. To know that they do this because in their own words they "love children and believe in providing high-quality childcare" is something that must reassure many parents. As for profit-making, I am sure this comes with its sacrifices, as does any new venture.

Nurseries in general seem to be criticised. However, they hold the most precious things that we have, our children. If we believe in investing in our future, then what better way is there for Lottery money to be spent?

GRATEFUL PARENT