A FISH pedicure salon which has seen footfall increase by one fifth in the 12 months since it opened is stepping up the business by taking on a new employee.

Bon Appe Feet, which opened in Durham City’s The Gates shopping centre last year, provides a pedicure which involves tiny Garra rufa fish nibbling away at hard areas of skin and has seen custom soar in the past year.

The company, which recently launched a range of traditional beauty treatments, including nail extensions and gel manicures and pedicures, is taking on a new member of staff to keep up with demand.

Spa owner Steven Whiteman, 34, who runs the salon with his partner, Louise McKenzie, said: “After working for British Gas for nearly 13 years, I thought it was time for a change and had the entrepreneurial urge to become my own boss.

“With Louise’s extensive experience in the spa and beauty industry and the increasing popularity for beauty salons, the spa business seemed like an obvious choice for us.”