PAT Senior wasn’t kidding when she said was taking a hands on approach to the role of Mayor.

The recently appointed Mayor of Blackrod is also a Reiki Master.

And she will be using the healing technique at regular monthly sessions at a hair salon in Blackrod.

Mrs Senior, aged 62, has been practising the Japanese technique for three years and also teaches the skill.

She will fit in the sessions around her busy schedule as the town Mayor, a professional artist and caring for up to 25 unwell dogs at her home.

The Japanese technique was founded in 1922 and helps to relieve stress and pain.

Mrs Senior, who is also a town councillor, said: “I started learning the technique because I wanted to help animals.

I tried it on a horse which was going to be put down, but after Reiki a couple of weeks later it had a full bill of health.

“It is non-evasive and helps to align energy which makes people feel better. I have worked with cancer patients and people with mental health problems.

“It can make a huge difference to people’s lives and it is an amazing journey.

“I have worked with terminally ill people and helped them pass over without pain.”

Mrs Senior said clients lie on a bed and relax to ocean music.

She places her hands above the different areas of the body, known as chakras, and draws symbols in the air to release the energy to flow through the body to where it is needed.

She is teaching the skill to bu salon owner Liz Liptrot. She said: “We only opened the salon on May 11 and Pat was one of our first customers.

“She told us that she was a Reiki Master and we thought it would be great to offer it here.

“It is a relaxing and stress relieving treatment and we are really e x c i t e d a b o u t having Pat on board and being able to offer this service.”