Physiotherapists Jemma Donald and Anna Thompson are using their healing hands in a new venture near Carlisle.

The pair have launched a weekly clinic at the Orton Grange rural business centre, four miles to the west of the city.

Jemma owns the Absolute physio practice which she runs from a clinic at her home in Catterlen, near Penrith.

The new clinic at Orton Grange will offer treatment for both musculoskeletal and orthopaedic problems along with the expert treatment of sports injuries.

Jemma and Anna, both chartered physiotherapists, left the NHS to work full-time in the practice which also has four other specialists working part time for the growing business – Paul Hetherington, Helen Jackson, Helen Wilson and Andrew Speight.

Jemma said that she chose to go into private practice to allow patients more time for their treatment.

She said: "I wanted to create an environment where I could give clients the best possible outcomes.

"I also wanted to cater for people who find it hard to access physio. I am a busy working mum so I know how hectic life can get, our main treatment centre offers lots of evening appointments and as the business grows at Orton Grange we hope to be able to offer appointments outside of the standard working day."

A mother-of-three, Jemma qualified as a chartered physiotherapist in July 2004 from Birmingham University. Before going into private practice full-time she worked part-time privately and for the NHS.

Anna graduated from the University of Birmingham in sports and exercise science in 2005.

During this time she won a place to study at Arizona State University spending a year working with the university athletes.

She also worked with the Arizona Cardinals American football franchise where she developed an interest in physiotherapy.

This led to her qualifying with a first-class honours degree in physiotherapy from the University of Cumbria before taking up a position with both the North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust and the Cumbria Partnership Trust.

The new physiotherapy clinic will join Cranstons Orton Grange Food Hall, Orton Grange Café and Gifts, The Beauty Room, The Shearing Shed hair salon and Carlisle Swim School.

The farm is still a working dairy farm run by Richard Martin who said: "We are delighted that Absolute has chosen to open a new clinic here at Orton Grange expanding the range of services our popular rural location offers."