Services for patients with terminal cancer are to receive a cash boost, the health secretary has announced.

A national partnership group, made up of voluntary organisations and NHS representatives, has decided on the allocation of £50 million to facilities across the country.

These include 86 more hospice beds, additional Marie Curie nurses to allow people to remain at home, 162 more clinical nurse specialists and 70 consultants in palliative medicine to offer greater access to pain relief.

"Providing the best possible care for people with cancer is not just about money, it is about using it in the right way to bring relief from pain and allowing people to keep their dignity while fighting the disease," said health secretary John Reid.

"The partnerships with the voluntary sector, which have helped with the distribution of this funding, know from first hand experience where the money is most needed and how it can be put to the best use.

"From today we will be putting this £50 million in to increase the availability and quality of palliative care so patients round the country benefit as soon as possible.

"We guarantee that the numbers of beds, doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who specialise in this area of care will increase and will lead to greater choice for patients and their families throughout the country."