George H W Bush discharged from hospital

George H W Bush was president from 1989-93

Former US President George H W Bush has been released from hospital two months after he was admitted for a bronchitis-related cough, a family spokesman said.

Mr Bush, 88, was admitted to Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas on 23 November, with a brief stay in intensive care last month.

His office said he was treated for a bacterial infection in addition to the bronchitis and a cough.

Mr Bush thanked the medical staff who cared for him.

"I am deeply grateful for the wonderful doctors and nurses at Methodist who took such good care of me," the former president said in a statement.

"Let me add just how touched we were by the many get-well messages we received from our friends and fellow Americans."

Mr Bush added: "Your prayers and good wishes helped more than you know, and as I head home my only concern is that I will not be able to thank each of you for your kind words."

The doctor in charge of Mr Bush's care, Amy Mynderse, said he would not need any special medication at home, but would continue physical therapy.

Mr Bush was Ronald Reagan's vice-president for two terms, from 1981-89, 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.