This morning I had the privilege of visiting the vaccination centre in Houghton, which is one of six across Sunderland, to witness first-hand the work being done to roll out the Covid-19 vaccine locally.

Thanks to the incredible work of local vaccinators, rapid progress is being made across Sunderland – with 1,600 people expected to be vaccinated at the Houghton site this weekend alone. I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to staff and volunteers for the vitally important job they are doing.

This vaccine is the light at the end of the tunnel – giving us hope that before long, we will be able to see and spend time with friends and loved ones once again.

That’s why it is so important that local people continue to follow public health guidelines, and take up the offer of a vaccine when they receive an invitation from the NHS.