A NEW way of getting a suntan has been introduced to Salisbury. Maxitan, which is based in Endless Street, enables customers to enjoy a tanning session without having to book in advance.

The idea comes from Salisbury businessman Chris Bartley.

He said he had been thinking about the concept for about a year and had looked at premises in Ludgershall and Andover, before settling on Endless Street in Salisbury.

"I wanted Salisbury to have sun beds that were easily accessible, open at times to suit the customer and without having to book," he said.

"If a sun bed is free you can go on it the longest you wait is for the client in front of you to come out."

Mr Bartley explained that the scheme operates by the customer buying a token from Mr T's caf, next door in Blue Boar Row.

Customers must fill out a card before using the beds for the first time, giving details including skin type and any medical conditions.

They must also declare if there is any change in a medical condition.

Each token bought generates an entry on the card.

When the caf is closed, tokens can be bought from the internet caf.

The two sun beds are checked regularly during the day.

Mr Bartley says he believes the idea is new to Salisbury, although it is more common in other parts of the world.

"It gives the customer freedom of choice," he said.

"We've had a huge response."