As ever, my week has been extremely varied.

But it has demonstrated yet again what an amazing community we have here even when in the face of so many challenges.

On December 8, the very first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine was given.

Since then, over 5 million have been given.

Over such a short period, this is an incredible achievement.

Across the Morecambe Bay this has meant an incredible partnership between different arms of the NHS, the military, our councils, GP practices, pharmacies, volunteers and members of the community who have all pulled together.

Between them, they have, astonishingly, vaccinated about 15 per cent of the population of Morecambe Bay.

This means we are well on track to hit the mid-February target for the first four priority groups.

Thanks are due to everyone that is involved in this continuing and dedicated effort, and for showing us all that there really is light at the end of the tunnel.

Obviously concerns remain about the availability of sufficient vaccines.

But with the Moderna one having been approved, and a fourth, Valneva, expecting ratification shortly, while there may be bumps in the road, the momentum is building and recovery beckons.

I was fortunate on Tuesday to glimpse at some of this work in the flesh while doing a short spell of marshalling at Ulverston Health Centre.

It was so good to see such a huge volunteer effort by the Ulverston Self Isolation Group alongside GPs and staff at the practice – everyone working flat out – and doing so in addition to their day jobs.

My stint doing this was only for a few hours, and it was determinedly cold and wet.

Others worked for far longer, miraculously managing to remain happy and full of energy.

It was heartwarming to witness.