As the pressure continues to build and the vaccine programme is driving forward, Aspatria Medical Group has announced it has surpassed the halfway point in distributing the vaccine to the 80-year-old and above age group.

The team has also managed to vaccinate residential care home and frontline staff.

A spokesman for the group said: “We have now immunised over half of our over 80-year-old patients, our residential care home and front line staff with their first Covid vaccine.

“We hope to have immunised all our over 80-year-olds by next weekend. Please bare with us we are vaccinating as quick as supplies and manpower will allow us . We know everyone is eager to get the vaccine and ask for your patience.

“Please be aware you may receive a text from us inviting you to book your Covid vaccine, this is a genuine text and only sent to eligible patients.”