THE doors to Lancaster's very first yoga studios open next week.

The enthusiasm and endeavour of local yoga teacher Pat Benson has created a haven of health and well being in the heart of the city.

But just a few months ago Pat's spacious new studio in St Leonardsgate was nothing more than a disused engineering workshop. Now drapes hang from the ceiling above a beautiful polished wood floor and the whole place is bathed in an atmosphere of tranquillity and calm.

"When I first saw it I thought - this is marvellous," said Pat, undeterred by the black grime that covered everything in the room. It was just the right size and I thought it had a lot of potential. I'm really happy with the way it's turned out. I've always wanted a space to hold my own classes and this is perfect. A lot of people have helped out and been very kind. One friend, Terri Sethi, made all the drapes for the ceiling which are wonderful. Because it's on the top floor it's full of light and I'm very excited about getting the classes started." Pat plans to hold two classes a night, four nights of the week. They range from the energetic Astanga Yoga, to stress release and relaxation to a much more gentle form of yoga. There will be classes to suit everyone - old and young - and absolute beginners are most welcome.

"It's about making people feel relaxed and comfortable," explained Pat, who has been teaching yoga for eight years. "At the end of every class I do a deep relaxation technique called yoga nidra, which is very effective. I especially enjoy the class with pregnant women and I love to see people who arrive stressed leave floating out of the door."

Class registration is on September 1 and 2, from 3pm to 7.30pm, and St Leonardsgate Yoga Studios are officially opened on September 13. Added Pat: "I hope to run classes for mother and baby yoga, post natal yoga, yoga for weight loss and yoga for teenagers after school. I'm also open to suggestions and ideas. Modern life is getting very stressful. I hope the studio will be a place where people can just relax and be themselves."

For more details about this exciting new venture call Pat on 34054.

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