DIRTY nappies are not a subject most people like to linger over but one Furness woman is making them the core of a new business, reports Jennie Dennett.

Baby swimming tutor Alison Wood of Newbiggin has resolved to help local parents go green and ditch disposable nappies in favour of washable ones.

"I'm hoping to educate people that there is an alternative to disposable nappies," said 55-year-old Mrs Wood, who has moved to the area from Hull.

"I'm going to be offering home trials in the new nappies which aren't like the old terry towelling squares with pins.

"They go on like the disposables and are really easy to use."

She will be trying to persuade parents of the benefits of going washable, not least the spin-offs for the environment.

"Each disposable nappy takes 500 years to break down which is horrible if you think about it.

"If Henry VIII had worn nappies, they would still be around! Making them also uses a fantastic amount of water, far more than is used washing re-usable ones.

"The other thing is the cost. Parents spend about £1,000 on nappies over the nappy life of a child.

"If they use washable ones, they can save up to £600 on the first child and £900 on subsequent children."

Mrs Wood became evangelical about washable nappies three-and-a-half years ago after teaching at a Hull swimming pool. where bins were overflowing with smelly nappies after every morning session.

She did some research into washable nappies and then gradually worked with the mothers in her class to help them make the switch.

She was surprised when she could not find a nappy service in Furness when she moved into the area, so she has set up The Nappy Line.

With her collection of sample washable nappies, she is hiring out the nappies for £7 a week for a one-month trial, with a home demonstration and advice.

Parents will be able to try different sorts and if they like them can buy their own stock. If enough parents are interested she is also considering setting-up a nappy laundering service through local launderettes.

"Nationwide there are lots of services like this but here there's absolutely nothing. I just want to be able to give people the option and help them to try washable nappies. They really are no problem at all."