Childminders Alice Ruscoe and Victoria Fosker are launching their own children’s nursery after securing a loan from NatWest.

They have operated a childminding business since 2013 but the new funding has now enabled them create Buttercups Children’s Nursery, based in a refurbished property adjoining the primary school in Combs Ford, near Stowmarket.

Buttercups will mainly care for under-fives but will also cater for school-age children in a secondary funcation as a before- and after-school club.

NatWest relationship manager Frank Moss said: “Alice and Victoria have big dreams with Buttercup Children’s Nursery and it is very satisfying to help them set this up.

“They have built their childminding business from the ground up and I can’t wait to see how far Buttercups goes in the next five years.”

Alice said: “Frank and his team at NatWest have helped us so much in preparing to launch the nursery – he has got involved and showed his expertise every step of the way, came to visit or we went to see him at the Stowmarket branch.

“Whether about set-up costs or some fine point of employment law – the team are extremely knowledgeable and happy to share that knowledge.”