Malton boasts the best facial in the county, according to a national magazine. Liz Todd tries the treatment

WHEN the floods hit Malton two years running, maintaining a beauty regime would have slipped most people's minds. But Diana Thompson's customers are so loyal that many of them battled through high water to get to her salon.

And now style magazine Harpers & Queen has included No. 1 Health and Beauty, Market Street, in its essential address book for the ultimate beauty treatments to be found in the region.

Diana, who moved from a salon in York to set up in Malton three years ago, said she was delighted to have come top for best facial in the area.

She said: "Our customers are very loyal and I think that's what stood out. During the floods we were very quiet and I think that was our worst time, but people still managed to get to us."

So does Diana's facial live up to being hailed the best in the region? The only way to find out was to try it out for myself.

As I trudged up the road from the office on a miserable Monday afternoon, I had high hopes that an Aromapure facial would provide the pick-me-up required.

Soothing music and a fragrant atmosphere greets clients at the door, an instant improvement on any hectic office. Diana's room is a cosy retreat on the first floor, worlds away from traffic and lit with candles. She uses the Elemis range of products, and chose a fruity theme to revitalise my skin.

Each client receives tailor-made treatment suited to their individual type, with a range of treatments also suitable for sensitive skin.

Diana started with a rehydrating rose petal cleanser and toner to boost dry skin. After massaging my face, neck and arms for what felt like a blissful half hour she applied a fruity strawberry and vanilla face pack, lip rescue balm and apricot eye pads.

Diana made sure I was comfortable and left me to relax while the face pack worked its magic.

The next thing I knew Diana was walking through the door - I must have been so relaxed I'd fallen asleep.

It was time for one final massage and a skin boosting treatment of absolute lifting serum to rejuvenate my now-glowing skin before being packed off back to the office in something of a daze.

No 1 Health and Beauty is a definite for my essential address book.

Updated: 11:38 Tuesday, February 19, 2002