PEOPLE prompted by an Evening News story to try wearing magnets to relieve aches and pains have reported unexpected improvements in problems related to diabetes.

A story in January this year told how Marcelle Russell, of Callow End, had been free from leg and back pain since buying a magnetic bracelet from businesswoman Jan Moody, of The Old Rectory, Bredicot, near Worcester.

Following the article, Mrs Moody was inundated with calls, several being from people with diabetes.

One of those who bought a bracelet was Lawrence Holden, of Squires Walk, Kempsey, who had been suffering from cramp in his fingers for three or four years. The 74-year-old, a diabetic for 30 years, said this was much better now.

"If I tried to read a newspaper, I would have to put it down because my fingers went dead, but now I can read the paper all right.

"I still get the cramp, but it's not so bad," he said.

"I've also noticed that the purple discolouration on my feet has faded."

Brian Blackshaw, of Newtown Road, Worcester, who has had diabetes for 29 years, found his circulation improved.

"I used to suffer from cold feet and had to wear socks in bed, but they warmed up as soon as I started wearing a magnetic wrist band," he said.

Other changes he has noticed are that his crooked little finger has straightened out and his eyesight has improved.

Grace Hewins, aged 68, of Malvern, has rheumatoid arthritis and is also diabetic.

She said the circulation in her legs had improved and she had better mobility.

"My right knee had been stiff and painful and I was able to bend it for the first time in ages," she said.

"It's not a miracle cure, but it has made a deal of difference. When I went for my six-month check up, the specialist said I didn't need a cortisone injection this time."

Ken Harrison, aged 77, of Droitwich, said he was sceptical about trying a magnetic bracelet for his arthritis, but he had received more benefit in a month than he had had in three years of hospital visits.

Mrs Moody said she was surprised and delighted by the range of improvements reported.

"I don't want people to think this is a cure-all, but it certainly seems to make life more comfortable for a lot of people," she said.