A STEETON company is helping wheelchair-bound patients access Manorlands' facilities.

Acorn Stairlifts, a regular supporter of the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice, has loaned it a specially-adapted vehicle.

The £10,000 car will be on loan for two years initially, with its insurance, road tax and servicing costs covered by Acorn.

Manorlands director Lizzie Procter said: "We are delighted that Acorn Stairlifts has chosen to support us once again.

"The vehicle will not only save on our costs, but more importantly will increase wheelchair users' access to our hospice services.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the company."

The new car enables patients to be collected from home in their own wheelchairs, which are then positioned and secured in the rear of the vehicle.

Among those already using the vehicle is Val Bevan, of Oxenhope, who visits the Manorlands day therapy unit every week.

"Previously I had to rely on family and friends to take me to Manorlands for my treatment," she said.

"Now it's one less thing that I and my family have to worry about."

Acorn company secretary, Dave Belmont, said the firm was delighted to be able to help the hospice.

"We've been working with Manorlands for a long time now and are constantly in awe of the fantastic work it does in our local community," he added.

"We hope the vehicle will make a real difference to people's lives."