Former Health service manager Lin Hall has been able to combine her experience and interests to launch a new Centre of Natural Health in Chelmsford.

Lin, from Writtle, has taken over what used to be Glen's health food shop in New London Road and has developed the business with the refurbishment of the shop and the launch of a clinic in the upper storey of the premises.

The project is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition for Lin and she is delighted that her son Alex has come to work with her in the business.

"I have been interested in alternative health since I was in my 20s," said Lin.

"My last job was in the NHS as a manager and I decided that the time was right to start a course to become qualified as a homoeopath."

Lin took a four year course at the College of Homoepathy in London and during her studies worked at Glen's health food shop in Chelmsford.

When the owner offered her the chance to take over the shop she decided to embark on the opportunity. "The shop had been here for 17 years so it was well established and I was able to see it had the potential for creating a clinic in the upstairs rooms," said Lin.

The clinic offers appointments for a range of services including homoeopathy, reflexology, aromatherapy, allergy testing, massage and reiki and also cosmetic treatments including collagen therapy, sclerotherapy and botox.

"We are looking at the inner and outer self, so that people can feel good and look good," said Lin.

"We have people coming in here with all sorts of problems and I think it helps that we have the shop and clinic on the same site and that they can have advice on the products."

An open evening will be held at the Centre of Natural Health at 20, New London Road, Chelmsford, on October 31 from 5pm to 7pm. Therapists will be available to talk to visitors.