TRAINEE osteopath Hannah Thompson wants to get her fingers into people's backs to help her qualify in the practice.

She is offering her services at cut-price every other weekend in a bid to become registered by the General Osteopathic Council.

Hannah, 31, a qualified pharmacist, sought a new challenge on coming to Durham City from London when her husband, Christopher, a neuro-scientist, landed a post at the university.

She is now in her third year studying through Oxford Brookes University's osteopathy school. It involves study trips to Oxford one weekend in two. On the alternate weekends, Hannah offers discount osteopathic treatment at a clinic in the premises of Dunelm Complementary Medicine, Durham City.

It doubles as a teaching forum for Hannah, who is observed throughout by her "mentor", experienced osteopath Sian Greeves, who is fully qualified and registered.

Back pain sufferers can have their problem assessed and treated at £10 per session, while also helping Hannah achieve the qualification. This compares with £30 for initial consultation and £22 per follow up.

"On the first visit, I will make an assessment consultation, with a detailed case history concerning the symptoms and medical history," said Hannah.

"The examination which follows may look at posture, the quality of joint movement and condition of the body's tissues, much of which is found by palpation."

Hannah's next low-cost clinic is on July 1, and fortnightly on Saturdays after that, between 9.30am and 11.30am.

Dunelm Complementary Medicine is at 52 Old Elvet, at the junction with Territorial Lane. Anyone interested in attending can call the clinic on 0191-383 0677.