RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans and the Bishop of Blackburn have praised the success of efforts to give coronavirus vaccinations to priority groups across East Lancashire.

New data released by NHS England shows that the Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System has inoculated 75.7 per cent of those aged 80 and over with at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

That represents 75,958 people with another 70,027 under 80s making it the fourth most successful operation out of 42 in England.

Blackburn Cathedral has been one of its mass vaccination centre since Monday.

Mr Evans said: “I’m thrilled that the vaccine continues to be delivered at pace in Lancashire, and I’d like to pay tribute to the hard work of everyone involved in the vaccine rollout.

"Every jab in someone’s arm could be a life saved, and it’s reassuring to know that so many of those most vulnerable to Covid-19 have already received their first dose."

Bishop of Blackburn the Rt Rev Julian Henderson said: “Thanks to the brilliance of scientists in this country and overseas, the vaccine will enable us to battle Covid-19 head on.

“For our Cathedral to be able to be at the heart of that battle, offering its building to be a mass vaccination centre, is a wonderful development and I’m delighted we are able to help in this way.

“It’s an amazing achievement to get the centre up and running so quickly and I want to thank everyone involved in making it all happen."