THE number of residents in Cheshire West and Chester who have now received at least one Covid jab has reached the 250,000 mark – which equates to 85% of those eligible.

More than 204,000 (69%) have received both doses.

Around 45,000 eligible adults are yet to have received their first vaccination.

Council leader Louise Gittins said: "It is great news that so many people have been vaccinated.

"The effort of all those involved in the vaccine programme has been incredible. It has been an inspirational example of joined-up working.

"But there is still much work to be done as some 45,000 eligible adults still need to have their first vaccine and 92,000 need to have a double dose.

"The vaccines are a miracle of science, they are free, and you no longer even need to book to get a jab. My message to those still to get vaccinated or get their second dose is, please do it now.

"Covid-19 will never go away but vaccines are our ticket to regaining normality in our lives. It will help protect you and protect others.

"Wonderful though the vaccines are, remember that they don’t offer total immunity. Continue to test and observe the hands, face, space and fresh air guidance and test twice a week whether vaccinated or not. Stay safe.”

All adults over the age of 18 are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine. Second vaccines are available eight weeks after your first dose.

Walk-in vaccination centres, including pop-up roving clinics, can be found via the council website: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/vaccinepopups