A SPA and skincare brand usually found in luxury hotels and department stores has arrived at a Westhoughton beauty clinic.

The team at Evolve Clinic, Mill Street, has been trained in the ESPA range and is now offering the full range of treatment and products.

It includes intensive and age-defying facials, treatments to address issues such as oily, congested and problematic skin, massages and body wraps.

Espa's range of natural body products are tested by a global network of highly-trained spa therapists, based in more than 55 countries.

Owner Vicky Kennedy opened her first beauty clinic more than 20 years ago and also runs Evolve, based in The Conservatory, Chorley Old Road, Heaton.

She said: "Evolve has been a paramedical skin clinic for many years.

"I felt, due to life's demands and increased stress on our clients, we needed a range of treatments that actually made a difference far beyond simple massage and body exfoliations.

"After years of hoping to be part of the Espa concept, I have now achieved another of my professional goals.

"In my opinion, the world of Espa is the leader in making a difference to hectic lifestyles.

"Espa leads in purity and quality of aroma oils and is at some of the leading hotels of the world, including Gleneagles and the famous Corinthia in London.

"Espa has the most beautiful gifts at Christmas but we sell products online all year round at evolveskinclinic.com.

"The nearest place to us is Harvey Nichols in Manchester but they only hold a treatment suite once a month. We are available all of the time.

"Our clients have been so excited. All of our Evolve team are now highly trained in the most beautiful, advanced treatment techniques and professional skin analysis."

TRIED AND TESTED

Leafing through the Espa list and I was struck by the sheer choice of treatments on offer, all of which sounded glorious.

From the skin radiance facial to hot stone massage, I was spoilt for choice but plumped for the lift and firming facial which promised to "improve skin tonicity and firmness and enhance cellular regeneration" — who doesn't want a bit of that?

Salon manager Sally Knowles, who has worked there for nine years, started my treatment with an in-depth skin analysis using a lamp device to identify skin conditions not visible to the naked eye.

My skin has a tendency to be dry and these areas showed up so Sally tailored the facial to suit my skin, including cleansing, gentle exfoliation, massage, face mask and intensive serum.

This particular facial uses a special massage lifting technique to combat ageing and stimulate collagen and is ideal for women aged 35 plus.

Although I am a few years off that, my skin still reaped the benefits and was left feeling cleansed, refreshed and glowing.

The massage side of it was also a real treat, with some neck and back elements which left me wanting more.

Now where's that treatment list?