The Coronavirus vaccine is set to be rolled out in Macclesfield GP surgeries this week, a senior doctor has confirmed.

Dr Andrew Wilson, the head of the Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said that Macclesfield is the first of three towns across Cheshire to begin the rollout.

In a video update, Dr Wilson said: "I'm really pleased to be able to tell you that GP practices across Cheshire will start to roll out the Coronavirus vaccine within local communities."

Macclesfield joins Winsford and Frodsham in becoming the first towns in the county to administer the vaccine through GP services, where those most at risk will be invited to get the first of two jabs.

It has not been revealed exactly which GP practices will be administering the Pfizer-Biontech vaccine and Macclesfield Hospital is still not part of the rollout.

Dr Wilson, who is a GP himself, said those deemed to be most vulnerable to the virus, such as people over 80, will be invited to get the vaccine first. He added that people should not contact their GP or the NHS to request a vaccine and to act on the invite when received.

"This is the largest vaccination program the country has ever undertaken. It will be a marathon and not a sprint," Dr Wilson said.

Residents have also been encouraged to continue following the guidelines in place to prevent the transmission of the virus.