A NEW plastic £5 note that can survive a spin in the washing machine has started to enter circulation.

Bank of England bosses say the polymer fivers are cleaner, safer and stronger than paper notes, lasting around five years longer.

While those working in Manchester may start to see the new fiver immediately at cash machines and bank counters, it is expected to take a few weeks for the notes to filter across the north west region.

Here's a few facts before you pocket one of the new notes:

:: Some 440 million new plastic fivers have been created and will gradually enter circulation.

:: The new polymer note can last around 2.5 times - or five years - longer than paper.

:: The new banknote is resistant to dirt and moisture, helping it to stay in better condition for longer.

:: The new fiver's security features include a see-through window featuring the Queen's portrait; a hologram which contains the word 'five' and changes to 'pounds' when the note is tilted; and a hologram of the Coronation crown which appears 3D and multi-coloured when the note is tilted.

:: Only a tiny proportion of existing banknotes are counterfeit according to the Bank of England's figures - 0.0075% in 2015.

:: The design of the new £5 note includes a portrait of Sir Winston Churchill from a photograph taken by Yousuf Karsh on December 30 1941 as well as a view of Westminster.

:: Beneath Sir Winston's portrait reads his declaration in his first speech as Prime Minister: "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat."

:: Some 21,835 banknotes were replaced in 2015 due to damage, according to the Bank of England. This included 10,761 notes that were torn as well as notes that had been washed, chewed, damaged by fire or contaminated in some way.

:: Following the introduction of the new plastic fiver, a new polymer note featuring Jane Austen will be issued in summer 2017. A new polymer £20 note, featuring JMW Turner, will be issued by 2020.

:: The first £5 note was issued in 1793, printed only on one side and in black and white.

:: There are 3.4 billion Bank of England banknotes in circulation - and 329 million of them are paper fivers.