A FATHER and son team proved they had the writer's touch, by each having a book of their own published on the healing power of massage.

Chris (left), and Eddie Caldwell's (right) helpful texts on how to sooth persistent aches and strains were published within weeks of one another.

The pair are directors of the Northern Institute of Massage in St Mary's Place, Bury, and were approached by publishers to write on their individual fields of expertise.

Eddie (61), whose book Remedial Massage Therapy was published first, has already had orders from as far afield as America, Canada and Australia. It took him two years to write, and provides a much-needed update on how massage can be employed therapeutically for a range of injuries and conditions.

Eddie, of Bolton Road, Hawkshaw, said: "Surprisingly there have not been many books about remedial massage for a long time. Most of them were written around 50 years ago, with very few in the intervening years.

"It may be that a person has to go to hospital with an injury first, but afterwards massage and stretching exercises can help speed up recovery."

The book is not Eddie's first publishing experience. In 1986 he and charity runner wife Marie, Bury Woman of the Year, jointly wrote the book Running for Fun.

Their son Chris (31) spent five years as resident massage therapist at the Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre.

His three-year-project Dance and Dancers' injuries is already selling well, with an order for 1,800 copies received from the United States.

As well as being aimed at therapists, the book is intended as a useful reference for young dancers or their parents.

Both books are available at the institute, priced £14.95/ £15.00.