SICK people in East Bury can now enjoy a royally-approved alternative way back to health.

A range of complementary medicines and therapy, of the type supported by the Prince of Wales, is available for those referred by their doctor.

The project offers a weekly programme of therapy sessions at Huntley Mount Medical Centre with the support of local doctor Andrew Demetriou.

Set up under the Single Regeneration Budget, courses range from aromatherapy to hypnotherapy, massage, reiki, reflexology and shiatsu.

Residents can be referred by GPs and health professional such as practice nurses and health visitors, as well as some voluntary organisations.

They can then be treated for conditions include diabetes, back pain, arthritis and stress.

Among those involved in the three-year project is Barbara Heron, of the Association of Complementary Therapists in Bury.

She said that Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) was now recognised by many health professionals as providing effective treatment. Unfortunately, many people could not afford such treatment, which is mostly delivered by private practitioners.

"This project offers access to six different therapies provided by well-qualified, fully trained therapists," she said.

"It is available to all who live in the East Bury Initiative area and so far we have had a very good response. There has been a steady flow of referrals and our therapists report that there has been general appreciation of the therapies and we are seeing the beneficial effects."

Ms Heron said that such referrals would save the doctor time and possibly reduce the number of prescriptions.

"We believe that CAM has a great deal to offer and that the benefits of it will be seen increasingly as time goes on."

Four treatment priorities were identified during a pilot project: diabetes, particularly among elderly Asian people; back pain, which caused a lot of sick leave; arthritis affecting old folk; and stress, which took up a lot of GP time and prescriptions.

However, treatment is also available for other conditions, including muscular, respiratory, digestive and circulatory problems, as well as hormonal conditions.