A THERAPUTIC pampering treat is on offer at a Davenham cottage thanks to a villager who has changed her life.

A year ago Julie Horsfield was a project co-ordinator for a busy land business but gave it all up after suffering depression and anxiety.

"It was pretty high pressure and I thought 'this isn't for me any more'," she said.

"I took stock of my life – I'm 45 and I need to do something for me, something that makes me happy."

A friend recommended that she try Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), which Julie explained is similar to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in that it changes the way you think about things.

She reassessed her own skills and decided to open up manicure business Pampered Hands at The Little Nail Room, based at the Firth Fields home she shares with husband Rick.

"I love people, I love chatting, I find people very interesting and I'm quite arty," she said.

"I've had alternative therapy and now I've almost become a therapist myself with Pampered Hands.

"I'm very open and honest about what I've been through and I find that a lot of other people have been through it as well.

"Suddenly you become a friend."

The friendly touch is all important to Julie, which she says is one of the benefits of running the business at home.

"I want it to feel a bit more personal – you should be pampered, have a bit of a chit chat and go away feeling nice," she said.

"It's about pampering rather than convenience.

"The hardest thing is keeping the house tidy – I'm always chasing after Rick," she joked.

Julie held a launch party complete with fizz, chocolate strawberries, food tasting from My Secret Kitchen and a balloon release that sent 20 per cent off vouchers into the mid Cheshire sky.

The party also raised £50 for Northwich charity The Joshua Tree.

Julie's next challenge is a firewalk for the charity in November.

For more information about Pampered Hands visit facebook.com/pamperedhandsdavenham or ring 07974 862818.