Patients in Cromer have had their pain reduced using an unlikely natural painkiller.

A new treatment, using the chilli plant, has been applied for the 100th time by the Pain Management Service at Cromer Hospital.

Qutenza, as the treatment is known, involves the patient wearing a patch over the affected area which has undergone 'super strength chilli preparation'.

Left for around an hour, the patch stuns nerve endings in the affected area, rendering them pain-free for a prolonged period.

Due to the nature of the procedure, patients must attend the day procedure unit at Cromer Hospital if they wish to undergo it.

After a knee replacement, Beryl Burton-Pye, of North Walsham, has had two courses of treatment.

'After I had the first treatment I had at least ten weeks free of pain,' she said.

'The second treatment was just as successful.

'I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has suffered with long-term pain like mine.'

Katherine Dyer, clinical nurse manager for the Pain Management Service, said: 'This type of treatment is only suitable for patients who are being cared for by a specialist pain consultant, and it is an exciting development for patients accessing the hospitals' Pain Management Service.'

Have you got a health story? Email nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk