Eden Primary Care Network, a network of ten GP NHS medical practices, across Eden Valley, has reported a shocking turnout in second vaccinations from those who have already received their first vaccination, for Covid-19.

The news comes as there have been reports of more coronavirus cases rising in the country, and the North West - especially Lancashire - is particularly affected.

The rise in cases comes from several new strains and variants of the coronavirus that have reached us, including the most recently discovered Delta variant, formerly known as the Indian variant.

The Delta variant of Covid-19 has arrived in Cumbria "with a bangThis is according to the county's top health official, director of Public Health Colin Cox.

Speaking on BBC Radio Cumbria on Monday the 7th of June, Mr Cox said: "This time last week I was saying Cumbria had been pretty stable for maybe six weeks, with case rates at about eight per 100,000.

"Today we're sitting on about 13 per 100,000, the majority are very likely to be the Delta variant. It arrived with a bang last week."

It comes after health secretary Matt Hancock revealed the Delta variant, was around 40 per cent more transmissible than even the Kent - now Alpha - variant that spread last winter.

In a public announcement, Eden Primary Care Network said: "Sadly we have had over 100 patients not return for their second vaccination this week.

"As the local community is seeing a rise in Covid cases we would urge patients to please ensure you are adequately covered.

"Our last vaccination clinic for all patients vaccinated with first vaccine dose before 25th April will finish tomorrow - Friday 11th June.

"We do still have some appointments available therefore if you have missed your appointment please contact your surgery.

"After this time you will be asked to make an appointment at the Penrith Auction Mart vaccination site

According to the British Heart Foundation, ensuring you get the second vaccine is vital: "It is recommended that you get a second dose within 12 weeks of having the first dose.

"However, if that isn’t possible for some reason, you should get a second dose as soon as you can to give you better long-term protection against the virus.

"Depending on how long the delay is, and which vaccine you have, we don’t necessarily have evidence to say whether the delay will affect the level of protection you have.

"Getting it as soon as you can is the best approach."