A MASSAGE a month may help keep the doctor away.

A new venture for Hexham will see business owner Nicola Hobrough introduce a massage subscription scheme to ensure people receive regular treatment.

Setting up The Massage Place, on Hallstile Bank, the scheme has been adopted from America, where it has proved a big hit.

Nicola said: “Essentially, the idea is to bring something a little bit different to Hexham. It’s based on an American model which is expanding over there.

“I’m guilty of it where I feel good having a massage and I say I must do it again soon, but six months down the line you find you still haven’t booked.

“By setting up a direct debit, you are more inclined to get a massage the following month and it is all about setting aside an hour to prioritise yourself. Massages are very therapeutic and regular treatments are linked with improving your mental health and general wellbeing.”

Leading the treatments is Thailand native, Wimon Evans, and there is a range of services available, including traditional Thai massages, hot oil massages and hot stone treatments.

Nicola said: “The massages have gone done well so far and people have been telling me they have left feeling like they are floating.”

The Massage Place shares a reception area with Physio&Therapy UK, owned by Nicola’s husband Paul.

Throughout February, the new business is offering one half price massage to its customers.