FORMER laundry manager Pauline Golightly confesses to more than a passing interest in old washing machines.

Her relationship with one particular model has, in fact, developed into a magnificent obsession.

It all began at a car boot sale at Scorton, in North Yorkshire, where 35-year-old Pauline first spotted the 162-year-old machine, made by Thomas Bradford, of Manchester.

"I knew exactly what it was, but I couldn't believe I was standing looking at it at a car boot sale," said Pauline, of Wylam Avenue, Darlington.

"It was in a bit of a state and I managed to push down the asking price until I I ended paying very little for it."

Pauline then discovered that the washing machine had been housed in a laundry at Stanhope Castle, in Weardale. It had only recently been dumped on a refuse tip in the County Durham dale.

A plaque on the barrel-shaped washing machine reads: June 17, 1841, made by Thomas Bradford, laundry engineers, Manchester.

Pauline's fascination with old washing machines started at a Middlesbrough laundry equipment company where she worked, which had a small museum containing old washers.

"That's how I knew exactly what I was looking at when I bought it," said Pauline. The only problem facing her was how to transport the old washer to Darlington.

"It weighs a ton," said Pauline, "but I managed to get my boyfriend, Steve, and three of his pals to load it into a van."

Pauline faced further problems when she finally got the washer home. It was too big to go into the house, so it has had to stand in the back yard.

"My dad thought I was crackers," said Pauline.

But the good news is that the washer is soon to be given a new home in the countryside. Boyfriend Steve's parents have agreed to let Pauline store her washer at their home near Middleton St George.