TWO Ilkley women have joined together to set up a new business in the town - and hope to offer a dedicated centre for advice and homeopathic treatment.

Christine Mallinson and Jenny Howarth , who are both mothers, are the driving force behind the opening of the Ilkley Homeopathic Centre in South Hawksworth Street.

The two struck up a friendship on a training course at the Yorkshire School of Homeopathy and between them bring a wide experience of conventional

Homeopathy takes a holistic approach to the health of each individual.

Homeopaths aim to help their patients to deal with the cause of illness, to achieve freedom from limitations in their lives , to reach a level of health where they are no longer dependent on any medicine or therapy.

The homeopath listens to the whole of the patient's story, gradually building up a total picture of the patient's whole state of health. A homeopathic remedy is prescribed, following a consultation, based on the principle of 'like curing like'.

The Ilkley Homeopathic Centre offers consultations and treatment by appointment during daytimes, evenings and Saturday mornings. There are also plans to offer basic homeopathic first aid courses, public talks and further drop-in sessions over the coming months.

Mrs Howarth, who lives on Addingham Moorside with her family, which includes two daughters, added: "There is so much stress and anxiety in practically everyone's life today, causing all sorts of symptoms.

"Homeopathic treatment has helped thousands of people with these difficulties, and it can now help many more people in Ilkley. We are opening the centre in response to keen local interest in complementary therapies."

Mrs Mallinson, a mother-of-three who lives in Ilkley, said that years of experience and study have equipped both her and Jenny to establish the centre.

"Homeopathic treatment has proved itself so beneficial in so many cases that I can hardly wait to offer homeopathic treatment in Ilkley."

l The centre will be open this Saturday and the following Saturday (February 2) between 10am and 4pm for anyone to call in for a chat about homeopathy and how it helps people to regain good health.

There will be drinks, a play area and balloons for the children.