Dr Vijay Bangar, consultant physician in diabetes and endocrinology at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, is using new methods to treat people with the deficiency.

His work has helped one bed-bound woman walk again.

"The results show that patients have been responding very well," he said.

Last year Dr Bangar tested 227 people for vitamin D levels. Only one person had a rating classed as normal.

He has been treating patients in line with the latest research, which shows an increased dose of vitamin D is the most effective treatment.

He and his patients say his methods have achieved some amazing results.

He treated 73-year-old Shah Begum, of Pellon, Halifax, who was confined to her bed because her muscles were so sore from a lack of vitamin D.

She said the pain was especially bad in her hips but since being treated by Dr Bangar, she says she can move around again.

She praised his work and thanked him for his help.

Dr Bangar said Calderdale had a high amount of vitamin D deficiency cases partly because it sees a lot of sunlight-blocking cloud.

The issue was raised as one needing to be addressed in the director of public health's annual report last year.

The condition affects pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with a family history and people who get very little sunlight on their skin. Symptoms include tiredness, muscle pains and weakness that can cause problems standing or climbing stairs, bone pain in the back, hips or legs and soft skulls or leg bones in children.

The condition can be avoided by following a diet high in vitamin D foods, such as liver, oily fish such as herring, sardines, pilchards, trout, salmon, tuna and mackerel, and egg yolk.

People should aim to get 15 minutes of sunshine three times a week between April and September, with their arms and faces uncovered.

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