PATIENTS at a hospice can now enjoy their favourite tipple – thanks to a Keighley brewery.

Timothy Taylor has donated a selection of its award-winning beers to Manorlands, the Sue Ryder hospice at Oxenhope.

The historic family-owned brewery handed over the ales as part of the Beer Day Britain initiative, which sees people come together annually to celebrate brews.

Sarah Bottomley, service director at Manorlands, said: "We can’t take away our patients’ situations but we can offer them the opportunity to enjoy the normality of a drink and indulge in a simple pleasure that many of us take for granted.

"This generous donation from Timothy Taylor’s gives patients and their visiting family and friends the chance to enjoy their favourite tipple together, and will bring smiles to people’s faces as it is a treat many look forward to.

"At our inpatient unit, Sue Ryder nurses and hospice staff aim to create a ‘home away from home’ environment for patients receiving palliative care – to bring them comfort and a sense of normality during a difficult time.

"As part of this, the beers from Timothy Taylor’s will be made available to patients if they would like to enjoy a drink with their lunch or evening meals.

"It has really helped to lift the spirits not only of our patients but also our staff, who will be able to raise a glass at home after a day at work."

Scott Cameron, senior brand manager at Timothy Taylor, said the firm welcomed the opportunity to help the hospice.

He added: "As a family brewer operating for over 160 years, celebrating beer is something we do regularly and so we’re delighted to help patients at Manorlands hospice celebrate and enjoy a pint too."

Timothy Taylor is a long-time supporter of the hospice and a central member of the Manorlands Challenge Committee.

The brewery contributes heavily towards the committee's two annual fundraising events – the Coniston Challenge Day and the beef & beer dinner, which together have raised over £1 million since 2004.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £10,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open and only a small part is covered by statutory funding.