John Reid has pledged to make it easier for the voluntary sector to play a bigger role in delivering NHS services.

The health secretary was speaking as he announced a new "strategic agreement" between the Department of Health, the NHS and the voluntary and community sector.

Reid said the move aims to supplement expanding capacity within the NHS, and allow more choice to be offered to patients.

"The value of the voluntary and community sector to the work of health and social care services cannot be underestimated and that's why this agreement is so important," he said.

"It adds to the diversity of provision. It is a major building block in how we deliver our commitment to personalise NHS and [social] care services to meet the differing needs of every individual."

A new National Strategic Partnership Forum will be established, taking on responsibility for lowering barriers between the NHS and the voluntary sector.

It is tasked with pulling together best practice and innovation from across England and help disseminate it throughout the health and social services.

As the agreement was announced, Sir Nicholas Young, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said the "landmark step" would boost the partnership between the NHS and the voluntary sector.

"I commend this agreement to every agency that has a stake in health and social care provision, and I urge them to support the work of the new forum that will oversee its implementation," he added.

Chief nursing officer Sarah Mullally said the agreement "signalled a joint commitment with the NHS and voluntary sector leaders to work constructively together".

"Through the development of the strategic agreement between the Department of Health, the NHS and the voluntary and community service we will strive to promote and support joint working with the voluntary and community sector at local level through progressive, dynamic and innovative partnership," she added.