A SOFT drinks maker and bottler hopes to find funding to create new jobs.

Contract Bottling is looking for investment to help it expand its work.

Bosses say they could take on up to 17 workers with a cash injection.

The firm, whose brands include Rola Cola and Perfectly Clear flavoured water, says it aims to continue its growth this year by developing new products and packaging.

Martin Thornton, managing director of the Sunderland-based company, said: “Further expansion in the business is a key objective for us and extra resources to hand would give us the boost needed to make this a reality.

“Government funding that has been made available to businesses in the area has really helped to drive their growth, and such funding would allow our rapid expansion plans to come into fruition.

“We have driven through a tough few years in the UK economy, winning business from Southern companies over competitors.”