HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt has visited Manorlands.

He was shown round the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice and met staff and patients.

Mr Hunt also saw some technological innovations the charity is involved in to enhance access to end-of-life care in the community.

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins, who accompanied him, afterwards tweeted: "Thanks to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt for taking the time to visit our very special Manorlands."

Sue Ryder this month welcomed an announcement in Chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement that charitable hospices would be able to claw back VAT.

The charity has been campaigning for three years for the move, which nationally will be worth up to £4 million.

David Praill, of Hospice UK, said the new measure would provide a massive boost to the movement.

"Until now charitable hospices – unlike NHS providers – have been unable to reclaim VAT on many non-business supplies," he added.

"It is only right that there is a level playing field between local hospice charities and other providers of palliative care."

Manorlands hospice director, Lizzie Procter, paid tribute to Mr Hopkins for arranging the visit.

"Kris has always been a very dedicated supporter of Manorlands and we cannot thank him enough for his continued backing and for inviting the Secretary of State for Health to the hospice to see first-hand the incredible care Sue Ryder provides," she said.