HARD-WORKING volunteers and NHS staff members who helped 130,000 people receive their Covid-19 vaccinations have been thanked for their dedicated efforts.

Middlewich Town Council and the NHS Team held an informal 'thank you' get-together for more than 60 volunteers and NHS staff members who have given their time over the past two years to run Covid-19 vaccine clinics in Victoria Hall.

A spokesperson for Middlewich Town Council said: “Despite the weather, it was a fabulous turnout and guests enjoyed a superb meal courtesy of Chimichangos, cakes courtesy of Cynthia’s and lovely balloon decorations to liven up the party provided by Arche de Noè & Co.

“All three companies are based on Wheelock Street and we thank them for their welcome contribution to this event.

“Middlewich myor, councillor Colin Coules, and Tina Cookson, SMASH (Sandbach, Middlewich, Alsager, Scholar Green and Haslington) PCN Covid vaccination lead, gave heartfelt speeches to thank the NHS, Middlewich Town Council staff and volunteers who took part.”

During the event, Tina also announced the total number of vaccinated people in the SMASH area was 130,000 – and 100,000 of those vaccinations took place at Victoria Hall.

The spokesperson added: “This could not have happened without the support of our dedicated team of volunteers.

“The volume of time given to the clinics runs into hundreds of days and it has ensured that many more people received protection than anticipated.

“It has been a challenging, sometimes stressful and intense two years but it has been worth it.”