THE Conservative MP for Torridge and West Devon visited Holsworthy Community Hospital to express thanks to staff at Christmas.

Following his visit Geoffrey Cox said: "I have been visiting and supporting Holsworthy Hospital for many years and it is a crucial part of the healthcare service available to our community.

"The distances that local people have to travel to reach other hospitals and our scattered rural communities mean that I have no doubt its role as a fully functioning community hospital must be retained and made a hub for healthcare services to our large rural area.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.