TWO friends have teamed up to launch a community healthcare business.

Claire Collinson, 42, and Vickie Albinson, 34, studied podiatry and graduated at Salford University in 2006.

After working for the NHS the pair decided to step out on their own.

They have converted a former fancy dress hire shop on Vine Street, Widnes into a podiatry and chiropody clinic, A & C Elite Footcare.

It is a dream come true as they hope to use their expertise and knowledge to improve people’s health and wellbeing.

Former Bankfield pupil Claire, of Dukesfield, Runcorn, who still works part time for the NHS, said: “Podiatric medicine is a niche market.

“We don’t just cut toe nails and remove corns we look at why hard skin is growing and how people are walking.

“It’s a bit like a jigsaw puzzle looking for causes.

“Everyone is so different you never get the same person coming in with the same ailment.”

Every new patient is given an in depth foot analysis. Specialist equipment is used to evaluate blood circulation and nerve sensitivity.

“If we can correct any problems it can have a massive impact on improving a person’s health,” said Claire, who used to live on Netherfield in Widnes.

“It can be instant relief for some people. It gives you great satisfaction to see someone hobble in and hug you on the way out.

“I have always had problems with my feet as I am type 1 diabetes so I understand what it is like.

“We give easy to understand advice to help patients do some of their own foot maintenance at home.”

Mum-of-two Vickie, from Penketh, works full time at the clinic and visits housebound and nursing home residents.

Claire, who gets married at The Everglades Hotel on Saturday, added: “We hope to link up with Widnes Vikings and do something to promote community vascular care.

“We are just happy to help people.”