A REDDITCH cystic fibrosis patient has played a key role in new medicines becoming widely available according to the town's MP.

Rachel Maclean says her meetings with constituent Nicco Andrews, who was taking part in trials of the drug Orkambi, prompted her to campaign for the drug to be made available on the NHS.

A deal has now been signed between the health service and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, who make Orkambi and two other drugs to treat cystic fibrosis, for the drugs to be available throughout the UK.

Ms Maclean said: “This is absolutely fantastic news which will change the lives of people across this country, including Nicco’s.

“I’d like to pay tribute to Nicco for meeting with me to share his story. He knew how lucky he was to be part of the Orkambi drug trial and he wanted everyone living with cystic fibrosis to have the same access to these life-changing drugs.

"They now will thanks to the efforts of Nicco and campaign groups across the country.”

The drugs will available to be prescribed within the next month and are expected to benefit around 5,000 patients.