A NEW book about hydrotherapy has been co-written by Malvern doctor and historian John Harcup.

The Spa Book: The Official Guide To Spa Therapy is the first ever textbook for people who want to learn about hydrotherapy.

It is geared to the new NVQ course on spa treatment, which has been set up by the Hair And Beauty Industry Association.

Dr Harcup is one of the leading figures in the spa world, having written and lectured on hydrotherapy for 30 years.

Since 1996, he has been chairman of the medical advisory committee of the British Spas Federation, which has now been renamed the Spa Business Association.

He is also a member of the Parliamentary Group on Integrated Medicine.

He wrote the book in partnership with spa experts Jane Crebbin-Bailey and John Harrington.

The book covers every aspect of spa therapy, including its history, the different types of treatments available, and complementary therapies, plus matters such as health and safety regulations.

"We've tried to make it as comprehensive as possible," said Dr Harcup, "It's not a coffee-table book. It's aimed directly at people who want to work in spas."

Among Dr Harcup's considerable contributions to the book is a section outlining the history of hydro-therapy.

This chapter highlights the part that Malvern played in that history. The town became England's foremost centre for the water cure after Drs James Wilson and James Gully set up here in 1842.

Spa centres elsewhere in the country and across the world are also discussed.

The book is published by Thomson Learning at £17.99.