Volunteers and staff have been thanked for their amazing efforts to keep the people of Bolton safe.

Earlier this week, the Mayor invited staff and volunteers from Tonge Moor Health Centre to the Town Hall to say a huge thank you for their work during the pandemic.

Cllr Linda Thomas, invited Cllr Samantha Connor, Cllr Nadim Muslim and Dr Helen Wall alongside staff and volunteers, to thank them for their work in helping people stay safe in Bolton by working and volunteering at the vaccination clinic.

Speaking about the praise, Cllr Connor said herself and others felt privileged to be involved in the vaccine rollout.

She said: “In December 2020, the support group that I was co-ordinating was approached by Turton Primary Care.

“We were asked if any of our amazing volunteers would be available to help at Tonge Moor Health Centre for Bolton’s first-ever vaccine rollout.

“Close to tears with the news of a vaccine, we asked who would like to volunteer, the response was overwhelming but not surprising.

“As a group, we felt privileged to be involved, each and every volunteer treated this as a job.

“Working in freezing conditions from 8am to 7pm on many occasions, the team established leaders and a well organised rota.

“The commitment given by every volunteer was incredible.

“As a volunteer at the health centre for almost six months, I witnessed first hand the elation of the over 75s receiving their first vaccine, for many this was their first time out in almost a year.

“It was indeed a community effort and the whole community championed the health centres and volunteers achievements.

“We are proud to have been part of this team that has undoubtedly helped make Bolton a safer town.

“The thank you from our town’s mayor was a great honour, to be recognised as valued members of the vaccine rollout.”

The health centre oversaw Bolton’s first ever vaccine rollout and Cllr Samantha Connor said, the group “made history”.