AN unusual spa treatment has been reeling in people from across the town and leaving them hooked.

Dr Spafish has officially opened in the Brunel Centre and the treatment, which is based around fish nibbling at the toes of customers, has proved a big hit.

Swindon mayor Rex Barnett even got his feet wet as he opened the walk-in natural pedicure store yesterday.

The spa is the second of its kind to open in Swindon and offers garra rufa fish work through the build up of hard skin on the heels and soles of the feet getting rid of any dry skin, leaving the healthy flesh untouched.

Rachel Brown, training recruitment manager, said: “We opened on Friday and the interest we have had has been phenomenal.

“We had people queueing outside the door over the weekend which was fantastic and the atmosphere in here was buzzing, everyone was giggling and laughing.

“It has really taken off in the town. The pedicures are brilliant and they are not only fun but also have some great health benefits.”

Originating in Turkey more than 400 years ago, the unusual treatment is the latest craze to hit the beauty world and is already proving popular with Swindon’s shoppers.

The toothless spa-fish are seen as an alternative to pumice stones and foot scrubs, leaving the feet feeling soft and smooth.

“It’s a fantastic feeling – the fish are very ticklish and it is very strange,” said Coun Barnett.

“I don’t know what I was expecting before I came but it is absolutely brilliant.

“As I walked across the floor my feet felt completely different as if I was walking in somebody else’s feet, it was a fantastic feeling.”

Lisa Waite, 36, of Liden, was having a foot treatment at the same time as the mayor and said that the experience was very different.

“It was quite a relaxing feeling,” said Lisa.

“A friend of mine had it done and said it was worth doing. It was a nice experience and I would definitely come back for more treatments.”

A foot treatment at Dr Spa costs £10 for 15 minutes.

For more information, or to check special offers, log on to www.drspafish.com.