Technology developed for astronauts has been brought to Oxfordshire to help people suffering from circulation problems in their legs.

A new clinic in Bicester is the first place in the UK to offer the Nasa equipment, which was originally designed to help people maintain the blood supply to their lower extremities during periods of weightlessness in space.

Similar conditions, like varicose and spider veins, and Peripheral Occlusive Arterial Disease affect normal people living everyday lives - but few are treated on the NHS.

Future Wellbeing in Crown Walk is using the treatment, called Vacumed, to help them.

Although a course of 10-20 sessions normally costs £450, owners Les and Bev Lindsay are searching for 70 patients to trial the technology free of charge.

Biochemist and Future Wellbeing managing director Mr Lindsay said: "It's estimated that approximately 90 per cent of the UK's population will be affected by lower limb circulatory problems at some point in their lives.

"People, primarily women aged 35 to 50, might experience cold feet, night cramps, leg and buttock pain while walking, spider veins and general pain and swelling in the legs.

"This is often an indication of a developing circulation problem which, if untreated, can significantly worsen - potentially requiring surgery."

Vacumed is a vacuum therapy where patients enter a cylindrical unit from the waist down and are exposed to an intermittent negative pressure, which feels like a gentle breeze on their legs, for 30 minutes.

Most people need two or three treatments a week.

The equipment, which costs £30,000, is already being used in 46 countries, and has been tested by Nasa and the German Space Agency.

Clinical manager and nurse Mrs Lindsay said: "Although we don't formally launch for a few more weeks, the doors are now open and the clinic has already attracted plenty of interest.

"Several people have already started courses of therapy and we're extremely encouraged by the results."

Anyone who is interested in free trials of Vacumed, can call 01869 252238 for more information.