Nearly 1,000 vaccines were given to residents in Ulverston on the first day of its rollout – including 150 vulnerable people in care homes.

The vaccination rollout at Ulverston Community Health Centre began with a flying start on Friday, with nearly 1,000 vaccinations handed out in one day.

The PfizerBioNTech vaccine, which is being administered to patients over the age of 80, was delivered over a two-day period at the centre to those identified as priority groups.

Dr Gerry Murray, local GP and clinical lead for Mid Furness PCN, described the first day as "amazing."

He said: "Overall we did almost 1,000 vaccines in total.

"This includes the 150 care home vaccines that I did with Dr Patel (one of our trainees)

"Our care homes were so ready and organised that we managed to get through the vaccination painlessly.

"This is such a huge achievement and we could never have achieved it without the support of the Ulverston Self-Isolation Group."

Dr Murray said the team hoped to have vaccinated all over-80s, care home residents and staff members in the Ulverston area by yesterday.

Doris Wilson, 96, of Ulverston, was among the first patients to receive the life-saving PfizerBioNTech vaccine at the health centre and said the vaccination "means everything" to her.

She said: "I'm nearly 97 and it means everything to me as I will be able to see all my family again soon.

“I felt a bit dubious at first but I'm feeling confident now and happy to be able to have the vaccine.

"What's a little pain when it's going to do you good?"