New centre for treating eating disorders

Royal Ballet dancers. Credit: ITV News Central

A new centre for people with eating disorders is being opened today at Leicester's Glenfield Hospital.

The 18-bed unit also has day patients and an outpatients service. They treat people with a range of eating disorders including bulimia and anorexia.

The unit is being supported by the Royal Ballet, and will be officially opened by two of their dancers, Marianela Nunez and Thiago Soares.

Ballet dancers are at a far higher risk of developing anorexia than the rest of the population, and the dance company are keen to spot dancers that may be at risk.

The new unit is based in the Bennion Centre and cost £1.2 million to refurbish. The idea is that it provides a more homely environment for the mostly women patients, as their recovery can take many months.