A PENSIONER who thought her market stall would only stay open for three months is closing it after six years.

Vera Revill, 68, makes and sells heatable cushion used as therapy for sufferers of arthritis, rheumatism, stress and poor circulation.

She set up in business at Darlington Indoor Market in 1997 as The Harvest Grain Company, and since then has sold more than 7,000 cushions.

But Mrs Revill has decided to go into semi-retirement, so from next month she will be working from home.

She said: "I have decided to scale down the business because of my age, but the demand is so great I cannot pack up altogether.

"I want people to know that although the stall will be shut, they can still buy the cushions."

Mrs Revill developed the cushion to ease her pain, which resulted from an operation to her abdomen when she was a teenager.

They are stuffed with wheat and lavender, and are heated by putting them in a microwave.

They can be used as an alternative to a hot water bottle or a heat therapy pad.

Mrs Revill sewed her first cushion in June 1996, and has been selling them ever since.

She acquired a pitch in the market and planned to stay for three months, but the business took off.

Since she went into businesses, other high street companies have begun to manufacture the cushions, but with few overheads and no wages to pay, Mrs Revill believes hers are cheaper.

She said: "My products help people in pain without charging them a lot. If you are ill with arthritis, you might not be able to work, so you cannot afford expensive products."

Although Mrs Revill is hoping to scale down The Harvest Grain Company, she will still make products for people whose needs are not met by the neck or back cushions she makes.

She said: "If someone has pain in their wrists, for example, I can make a special mitt to provide relief."

Once Mrs Revill's stall leaves the market, customers will be able to buy the cushions by calling her on 07388 773063, or by visiting Tom Docherty at stall number ten, in Darlington Indoor Market, who will stock some of her products.