The best medicine

Claire Fischer and Judy Tyler (pictured) are determined people in the county should crack up more and demonstrate they are having some fun in life.

They believe laughter is the best of all medicine and have linked up to become the first two laughologists in the county to try to prove it.

The couple are better known as presenters on BBC Hereford and Worcester Radio but have now started up an independent venture business called The Laughing Room.

Claire said having a good laugh helped lower the blood pressure, boosted the immune system and released endorphins - the body's natural pain killers.

If we all learned to do it more often, we would all be much healthier and happier, she added.

The key is to learn to laugh again. Research shows children laugh at least 400 times every day, with adults only managing it 15 times.

Laughter clubs are said to be taking America by storm and are becoming popular across Europe - now Claire and Julie are setting the pace in Herefordshire.

Both have a high sense of humour and have been involved in stand-up comedy and writing.

Now they want to try to find ways of bringing laughter back into everyday life.

They will start by offering a service of invigorating laughter, breathing exercises, yogic postures and humorous anecdotes to help release trapped energy in order to relieve stress and improve quality of life.

But as well as individuals and clubs, they have their sights set on employers to help develop the laughter lines.

They hope companies will invite them in to teach their staff how to relax, laugh more and reduce work place stress.

"Laughing at work does not mean you are wasting time," said Claire.

Herefordshire Council has already agreed to give it a try by letting the laughologists into its treasury department for a session.

The Laughter Room is based at Healing Earth in Blackfriars Street, Hereford, and venues are being arranged in Ross-on-Wye, Monmouth, Leominster, Gloucester and Worcester.

Anyone interested can call 07812 997371.