A TRIO of New Forest businessmen are launching a £2,300 a week rehab clinic to rival the Priory in Southampton.

Based in a Georgian Manor House in West End, The Manor Clinic aims to emulate a boutique hotel for patients suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction and depression.

Bosses were tight-lipped on whether the site would be likely to see celebrity patients saying client privacy was paramount.

A £2.5m makeover has left the former hotel's 15 en-suite bedrooms which are decorated with a "relaxing blend of warm natural tones" to encourage recovery.

A typical 28-day stay will cost the lion's share of £10,000, with chauffeur service an optional extra, when it opens to patients at the end of June.

Nine of the clinic's 15 staff have defected from the rival Priory at Marchwood, as has co-founder David Nott, who was former head of the addictions treatment programme at the rival clinic.

He has teamed up with former banker Tom Finlay and former New Forest hotelier Stewart Mechem to launch the project in Mansbridge Road.

It's just the first of a planned roll out of five more of the clinics, which they claim are more than 40 per cent cheaper than rivals, over the next five years.

David said: "We've identified a clear market opportunity for an affordable individually-tailored treatment programme which is more accessible to those suffering from addiction or depression. We will be offering the highest levels of patient treatment and care by a group of highly skilled individuals in a therapeutic environment."

Stewart said: "It is aimed at all those whose life has become unmanageable as a result of alcohol and drug abuse.

"We might have fluffy robes and l'Occitane toiletries but the care is a solid 12-step Minesota model. It's a tough programme but it works if you work it."

The Clinic will be opened by Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Mary Fagan on June 12.

For more information log on to www.themanorclinic.com