LIGHT up the scented candles and slap on the fragrant body lotion, for nurses say aromatherapy massage works. Oh, really?

But are the conclusions of this 'research' conducted by staff at Burnley General Hospital only as substantial as the froth on a bubble bath?

True, the majority of volunteers who signed up for a series of oily massages over ten weeks at the hands of nurse Linda Haines and colleague, sister Kathy Bonney said they felt better about their lives than those who did not have the rubs.

But just how scientific is this finding? Wouldn't most of us feel more chipper after a bit of pampering?

Harmless bunkum, I call it. But bunkum nonetheless - and no case for cash-strapped health bosses to be forking out for such treatment to become generally available on the NHS.