STEETON-based Acorn Stairlifts has pledged support to cancer charity Marie Curie.

The award-winning firm will provide up to five free stairlifts a month to help terminally-ill patients across the UK remain in their own homes.

Marie Curie patron, Christine Hamilton-Stewart, said: "For families where quality of life is of the essence, fast access to a free stairlift means precious time can be spent at home.

"The charity is delighted that Acorn has pledged such a significant ongoing donation and we look forward to the partnership blossoming in the future."

Acorn, which was recently named a British 'manufacturing champion', said it was delighted to be backing the charity.

Company secretary Dave Belmont added: "Every nine minutes someone benefits from the installation of an Acorn stairlift and with such vital, life-enhancing work already undertaken by Marie Curie, we are looking forward to supporting it.

"We know from our customers how life-changing a stairlift can be.

"We are proud to be helping even more people through this ground-breaking initiative."