An eco-friendly nursery has relaunched in Newry with the help of a six-figure investment supported by Ulster Bank.

Kidz Miniversity, formerly the Mulberry Bush, located to the Ashgrove Road under new management, with all existing staff and children retained.

The business currently cares for 29 children and has capacity for a further ten. The cash boost will facilitate new full and part-time employment opportunities when it reaches full occupancy.

After going on the market late last year, Co-owner of Kidz Miniversity, Deirdre Conlon said the capital investment supported the purchase of the new premises, while personal funds were used to carry out a refurbishment.

Having gained experience working in German Kindergartens and seeing how advanced their thinking was in relation to ecological and environmental issues, the Kidz Miniversity management team are adopting a variety of eco-friendly concepts.

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Plastic toys and equipment will be replaced by more environmentally friendly alternatives such as wood.

Ms Conlon explained: "We're all aware of the benefits of reducing our reliance on plastics. Our decision to replace plastic items is one of the many steps we're taking to be a responsible business.

"As well as being a touch-friendly material, wooden toys and equipment are robust, durable and, importantly, they're biodegradable."

The children are encouraged to connect with nature and the environment, instilling an awareness of issues that resonate with many today at a young age.

Mini allotments have been created to inspire healthy eating, as the children plant seeds, tend to the allotments, watch them grow, pick the harvest and then eat the fruits of their labour.

"They'll experience the process from start to finish in a way that is educational and encourages them to interact with nature," Ms Conlon added.

Philip McNeill, Business Development Manager at Ulster Bank said: "Investing in childcare services helps to create the support structure that will allow parents, guardians and carers to get back into meaningful employment and contribute to the local economy.

"Ulster Bank is committed to supporting responsible business owners and were very pleased to provide the finance that has allowed the Kidz Miniversity management team to acquire one of Newry's longstanding nurseries and invest to modernise its facilities."