A NORTH-EAST company is to create 45 new jobs to keep up with the demand for its latest electrical appliance.

The world's largest water cooler manufacturer, Ebac, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, needs more than 90 production line workers to manufacture its new innovation, a home water cooler designed for use with bottled mineral water.

Eddy, by Emac, is the result of two years of market research and is being billed by the company as the most popular new kitchen appliance of the decade.

It was the massive growth in the consumption of bottled water which has led to the development of Eddy. This year alone, more than one billion litres of bottled water will be sold in the UK.

The workplace cooler is a common feature of offices throughout the country, but Eddy will be the first appliance to bring the convenience of chilled mineral water "on tap" to the home.

Manufacturing director Pamela Gillespie said the company was delighted with the positive response indicated by initial sales and wanted to fill vacancies as soon as possible to meet the demand created.

She said: "We are particularly looking to recruit local people. We have already consulted the parents of children at local schools to see which working hours would be best for them.

"The overwhelming response was from 9.30am to 3pm and Ebac is willing to accommodate flexible hours to give local people local jobs."

The company is offering positions operating on a shift system and is keen to encourage part-time workers.The positions are de-skilled and Ebac will provide on the job training.

The only qualifications asked for are enthusiasm and commitment to work.

All applicants will be interviewed and undergo a one-week paid trial.

Ebac already employs about 450 people manufacturing domestic and commercial dehumidifiers and commercial water coolers.