A FORMER athletics world record holder was on hand to declare a new physiotherapy clinic in Hexham officially open.

Olympian Steve Cram joined his friend Paul Hobrough, a nationally-renowned physio who has worked with some of the sport’s top stars, to celebrate the relocation of his Physio & Therapy UK base from Corbridge to Hexham.

On returning to his native North-East in 2012, Mr Hobrough operated from a site in Corbridge’s Tinklers Yard. However, the move to Hallstile Bank in Hexham, in June of this year, has allowed him to expand the level of treatment he provides to local people.

The new venue, which includes four bespoke treatment rooms and a room designated for Pilates and yoga, secured high praise from Jarrow Arrow, Steve Cram.

He said: “Paul is a good friend but more than that, he is a very good physio, one of the best I have worked with, and this is a great move for him. It is in a great spot and the bigger premises mean he can offer more services.

“Having somebody like Paul and his team is really good for the Tyne Valley and he has been a big help for a lot of people, from elite athletes to the more recreational runners.”

The new premises have already resulted in a sharp increase of clients for the business.