Dirty nappies may not carry the whiff of success for many of us - but one woman is so convinced of their green potential she has decided to build a business on them.

Dirty nappy - Lisa Wood gets to grips with the problem every mum hates. Picture: ANDREW BELFORD 75C9R1

Lisa Wood, the woman behind Southend-based Lisa's Nappy Laundry, is determined to take on the multi-million pound advertising budgets of the huge disposable nappy companies and put a case for the traditional, environmentally-friendly cotton equivalent.

Lisa's service is designed to make cotton nappies -- soft, natural cotton rather than the bulky, uncomfortable terry towelling nappies -- more practical for busy mums and dads.

She provides her clients with up to 55 nappies a week, complete with a collection bin, deodorising discs and biodegradable liner. Once used, the liner and its contents is flushed down the toilet and the nappy placed in the bin, which Lisa empties every week and replaces with a fresh batch.

Lisa said: "It's fairly new here, but in America they have been doing it for years. Most people I have spoken to are very, very interested. They think it's a great idea."

The service costs £9 a week with a one-off admin charge of £10, and comes with free advice on nappy folding for those who need it. For details call 01702 343660

Published Wednesday, February 20, 2002