From manicures to the lastest hair removal techniques, the Beauty Spot offers a wide range of treatments. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports.

TUCKED away in a little courtyard in the centre of Durham City, The Beauty Spot isn't the easiest place to find but a legion of loyal customers walk through the doors every week.

The salon was started by Tanya Walton nine years ago and has grown steadily ever since.

"We started off small and although the salon is a lot bigger now, I don't want it to grow any more. I know most of my clients really well and I think that creates a really nice atmosphere. People enjoy coming here. They feel relaxed and happy about the treatments they have."

Tanya, who has worked in Durham for 17 years, set up the business with her mother who is also a beauty therapist. She now employs three other staff, and they offer a wide range of treatments, including manicures, facials, fake tans, henna body art and massages.

The Beauty Spot is also a centre for Elemis Spa Therapy, which uses only wild or organically grown herbs and flowers. From the Japanese Silk Booster Facial to the Strawberry Herbal Back Cleanse and Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow, this therapeutic range stimulates, relaxes and rejuvenates.

Tanya regularly introduces new treatments to the salon, including Elemis' stone therapy. Smooth, volcanic stones are heated in what looks like a deep fat fryer, and then used to massage the client's body.

"The heat from the stones relieves tired and tense muscles. You get the benefits both of massage and heat treatment. It's incredibly relaxing and it's brilliant for people with arthritis or sports injuries," she explains.

Another new treatment, introduced to the salon just two months ago, is Aculight - a revolutionary hair removal method that uses pulses of light to permanently remove hair. Suitable for both men and women, it can treat all hair types, from fair to black, and all parts of the body.

The treatment produces a stinging sensation, which makes it much less painful than waxing, although Tanya is keen to stress that clients can still choose more traditional methods of hair removal.

Aculight prices start from £110 for a single treatment unit of 15 minutes but, unlike other hair removal methods which are priced by area, clients can have multiple areas treated during one session.

As the process only destroys growing hairs, several treatments are needed but pre-arranged packages are discounted. The greater the number of units, the greater the discount.

Tanya says: "In this industry, you hear a lot about new treatments but I don't take anything into the salon if I don't believe it works. I want my clients to feel happy.

"We have only recently started doing Aculight but the results we've seen so far have been absolutely fantastic. Everyone has been impressed."

* The Beauty Spot is offering Northern Echo readers the chance to win an Aculight starter package of three 15-minute units, worth £230. Two runners up will win a patch test, which usually costs £50.

To enter the competition simply tell us what types of hair can be treated with Aculight. Send your answer, along with your name, address and daytime telephone number to Aculight Competition, Features, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF. The closing date is Monday, July 29.

The salon is also offering 10 per cent off all Aculight packages on Friday, July 26 and Friday, August 23. Book early to avoid disappointment on 0191-386 8186.