A LOAN fund is donating £5,000 to a women's aid group in Redcar which can provide improved creche facilities.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Employees Loan Fund has donated the cash to Redcar and Cleveland Women's Aid (RCWA).

The mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Councillor Vilma Collins, presented Debbie Calvert, development officer with RCWA, with the money.

Ms Calvert told the mayor the money would be used to finance additional creche facilities and transportation for RCWA's two support groups, which hold weekly two-hour creches at two locations in the borough.

She said: "We're extremely grateful for the donation, which will enable direct help to women while their children are being supervised in a secure environment."

The fund is built up with commission from personal loans taken out by council staff with authority's bankers, the Co-op.

The award was sanctioned by the council's local joint committee, which is made up of councillors and trade union members.

Councillor Garth Houchen, vice-chairman of the committee, said: "We are pleased to help Women's Aid extend their support services in the east Cleveland area."