Acupuncture and other alternative therapies help many people with the pain of arthritis:

"Gill Houlis was in agony. The arthritis which had started in her knees when she was 21 was really taking a grip and the prescription drugs were not working.

As part of a unique scheme to help residents in the West End of Newcastle, her doctor, Dr Bookliss, referred her to see an acupuncturist.

For Gill the relief was immediate.

"I realise now the treatment has been a gradual process over the years, but I remember thinking how I felt better straight away. It was almost instant pain relief."

Now 49, Gill, of Westerhope, has all but abandoned her previous treatment in favour of the acupuncture."