Duncan Bannatyne, star of TV’s Dragons’ Den, dropped in to open his latest investment — a £350,000 spa in Banbury.

The spa, the 30th in the Bannatyne Spa chain, has created eight new jobs and is an extension to the existing Bannatyne’s Health Club in Bodicote Park.

Open to members and non-members of the health club, the spa features four therapy rooms and a dual treatment area specially designed for couples and friends to share.

Mr Bannatyne said: “I am very pleased to add Banbury to my UK group of spas, and offer local people a more complete experience of exercise, well-being, personal beauty and relaxation.”

He added: “We are operating in a competitive market place, but health and well-being remain top of the agenda for many people, and our spas and health clubs continue to trade well.”

Nigel Armstrong, managing director of the Bannatyne Group, said: “This investment is part of a programme of ongoing development within our existing portfolio.

“As a company we firmly believe in regenerating and investing our profits back into our health clubs, spas and hotels. This enables our members to receive the maximum benefit from their experience at Bannatyne’s.”