The work of Keighley Domestic Violence Service has won praise from the Home Secretary in the House of Commons.

David Blunkett publicly gave thanks to the service for the support it gives women who are fleeing violent partners.

"Voluntary groups and people who give up their time are a godsend to those who face horrendous attack," he said.

Mr Blunkett made the comments in response to a speech by Keighley MP Ann Cryer, during a debate on the Criminal Justice White Paper.

Ann Cryer works closely with Keighley Domestic Violence Service and the police to help local women escape violent relationships. She has spoken out against forced marriages, and is regularly approached by young women who want to prevent their new husbands gaining entry to Britain.

Commons comments by both politicians were welcomed this week by Keighley Domestic Violence Service manager Diana Reed.

She said: "It's obviously really nice to get recognition at that level for the work we're doing. Ann Cryer has been very supportive of our work."

Speaking in the Commons, Mrs Cryer thanked Mr Blunkett for the attention the White Paper gives to the issue of violence in the home.

She said: "I am dealing with one domestic violence case every two or three weeks. These women have had a horrendous time.

"If it were not for the help of Keighley Domestic Violence Service - a voluntary organisation - they would remain in a violent relationship or simply be dumped with no help.

"Thanks to the service, they are brought to my office for help, and brought to the attention of police and the social services."

Mrs Cryer told the Commons to put on record her thanks to the service, and similar organisations elsewhere in the country.

She added: "The people who run the service do a wonderful job, but they do not receive many thanks."

Mr Blunkett promised to return to the issue of domestic violence "with vigour" in the autumn.

He said: "We have already taken steps, such as changing attitudes, and police make the presumption of pro-arrest in relation to domestic violence."

Mr Blunkett said those steps had already begun to make a difference, but said voluntary groups had an important part to play.