The owners of a Hull spa say toe-nibbling fish are reeling in hundreds of customers – with almost 400 customers snapping up the unusual foot treatment in just two weeks.

Visitors to the spa dip their feet in two tanks – each containing about 150 fish – for a quarter of an hour in the hope of leaving with smoother soles.

In just a fortnight, the fish have tended to 798 feet belonging to 399 people.

Richard Pearson, 28, a fitness instructor at Fab Feet Spa in Newland Avenue, west Hull, said: "The fish were first found in hot springs in Turkey and have since been introduced in many health spas.

"They nibble the skin to stimulate rejuvenation and improve it by natural exfoliation."

Some specialists believe the inch-long Garra rufa, nicknamed "doctor" fish, reduce the overdevelopment of skin cells.

Mr Pearson said: "The fish secrete a therapeutic enzyme called dithranol.

"It is good for people with conditions like dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis."

University Of Hull drama students Jade Potter and Kristine Zuzanna were the first to dip their toes.

Drama students Jade Potter, 21, and Kristine Zuzanna, 22, try out the treatment.

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Jade, 20, said: "I heard about the fish from my friend in Thailand and decided to have a go.

"It's very ticklish, but it's quite relaxing. I definitely will be doing it again."

Kristine, 22, said: "It's just very nice to have this exotic experience.

"Sitting here just makes you forget things."

The fish swarm around feet and suck away at dead skin, consuming only a small amount. Their main diet is two servings of fish food a day.

The remaining dead skin is filtered away, with the water changed up to five times per session.

The fish have surfaced at spas across the region, with Fab Feet believed to be the third in East Yorkshire to use the creatures.

The spa's owner Steve Monaghan, 37, said: "Despite the economic climate at the moment, people are still searching for a bit of luxury.

"We have proved popular because some of our sessions are as cheap as £3.

"The spa has started off well and people are giving feedback about the service and telling friends and family."

"We have already got some girls booked in for a hen night and we are very optimistic about the future of the business. We're also hoping to get a beautician in the store in the near future."