George H W Bush moved out of intensive care

George H W Bush was president from 1989-93

Former US President George H W Bush's condition has improved, allowing him to be moved out after nearly a week in intensive care, his spokesman has said.

Mr Bush, 88, will continue treatment at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, where he was admitted on 23 November suffering from bronchitis.

"The Bushes thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes," family spokesman Jim McGrath said.

Mr Bush is the oldest living former US president and a World War II veteran.

He was admitted to intensive care on 23 December with a fever.

But on Saturday, Mr McGrath said the former president's condition had improved.

"So he has been moved today from the intensive care unit to a regular patient room at The Methodist Hospital to continue his recovery," he said.

Mr Bush was Ronald Reagan's vice-president for two terms, from 1981 to 1989, when he became the 41st US president. He was defeated by Democrat Bill Clinton when he stood for re-election in 1992.

His son George W Bush served as 43rd president in 2001-09.