NATALIE Lenton is putting Kidderminster on the UK map for an unlikely reason - dog massage.

She has set up her Canine Massage Therapy Centre in the town and dog lovers and show enthusiasts are sitting up and taking notice of the remarkable results Natalie is achieving.

Take one example. Poppy, a pedigree German spitz klein, became listless and subdued . Her owner lives in Glasgow but, nevertheless, decided to take her to the Wyre Forest centre where Natalie works her magic.

In no time at all, Poppy was a bouncing bright-eyed bundle of fun as her owner did the 600-mile round-trip from Scotland for three successive weeks.

Even better was to follow. Poppy was entered into top flight dog shows and collared prize after prize - culminating in being judged best special puppy in class at this year's Crufts.

Natalie is passionate about her work. She said: "I love what I do because of the obvious health benefits that dogs receive after their massage sessions.

"A dog can go from completely immobile to running round the park again, they have a better quality of life living pain-free, and we see a return to their happy former selves.

"It makes a big impact on the owner's life because it is heartbreaking to see your dog in pain so, if I can help a dog to be happier and healthier, I am helping the owner to have a much-loved member of their family back again and that's just priceless."

She added: "The business has huge potential for growth due to its distinctive nature in not only the pet market but also as a valuable service to sporting and working dogs recovering from accidents and injury."

Natalie is holding regular workshops to teach others her methods and also plans to produce a set of three DVDs which, she says, has the potential for massive sales in the UK and the US.

She has entered the Business Idol competition to help to spread the word and boost her business.