​IF you are looking for an unusual gift for your mum on Mothering Sunday why not send her to have a foot nibble.

It may sound a little bizarre but a new craze is sweeping the nation in the form of dead skin eating Garra Rufa fish - and there is a branch near you.

The fish have been used for hundreds of years for a variety of treatments from treating dry skin to helping to ease the symptoms of psoriasis.

They are thought to have been discovered by Turkish shepherd in the Kangol region hundreds of years ago where they realised their sore feet felt better after a dip in rivers which contained the Garra Rufa fish.

The fish, which are also known as "doctor fish" or "little dermatologists", have no teeth and simply nibble away dead skin while releasing an enzyme called diathanol which is suposed to aid skin regeneration.

The new store in Cheltenham's Regent Arcade is one of 18 across the UK in the Appyfeet chain.

One of the founders of the company, Christina Wright, said the welfare of the fish - which are all improted and cost around £4 each - was uppermost in the company's ethos.

They are kept in tanks with the water being cleansed using electrolyisis to ensure absolute purity.

"The fish also stimulate acupuncture points on the fish which makes it a really relaxing experience for people who have a session," said Christina.

"I started the company after a holiday to Japan where I tried it with a friend. There was a paddling pool outside a shop outside a shop in Okinawa with a woman sitting there with her feet dangling in.

"I had a go, loved it and thought about nothing else for the rest of the holiday."

A few months on and Christina has one of the largest networks of fish foot spas in the UK.

Using the slogan "Fish are food for the soul and soles are food for the fish" an Appyfeet treatment could be just the ticket for Mother's Day on Sunday.

TiG sent Gloucestershire woman Mandy Cornock to try out the treatment.

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After more than 27 years of tap dancing on stage Mandy's feet needed a little tender loving care.

She said: "It feels really strange at first because they all rushed onto my feet but it's actually very nice when you get used to it.

"It doesn't hurt at all and the temperature of the water is just right. I was confident with the hygiene procedures and felt great after the treatment.

"It certainly made a big difference to my feet."

Sessions cost £10 for 15 minutes or £20 for 35 minutes - the perfect, alternative , mother's day gift.

* If fish nibbling does not tickle your fancy why not treat your mum to a nice meal out - check out restaurant listings or rely on good old fashioned flowers for the special day - click here for florists in the area.