The mayor of Macclesfield has praised the local coronavirus vaccine rollout after receiving her first dose.

Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake got the vaccine because she works with vulnerable children and has her own health conditions which can put her at greater risk.

She told Macclesfield Nub News: "As soon as the opportunity came up, I jumped at it. It was really easy to book an appointment online. I went to Macclesfield Hospital and it was well marked out with plenty of signage, with a one-way system and social distancing in place."

The Hurdsfield councillor was especially glad to get the first dose of the vaccine as she is helping to care for her mother who has cancer.

"Naturally, working with the kids and the situation with my mum, I jumped at the chance to be vaccinated. I've been going to get a lateral flow test before going to care for my mum, so it's a great relief," Cllr Bennett-Wake said.

She added: "It's essential that all key workers, especially those working with the most vulnerable, get the vaccine when they can."

During the appointment, Cllr Bennett-Wake saw a friend who had volunteered at the Green in the Corner community café in Hurdsfield during the first lockdown who was now administering jabs.

She praised the NHS staff and volunteers for their work throughout the pandemic.

Cllr Bennett-Wake said: "People noticed my 'Choose Kindness' mask before they noticed the chain hidden under my big coat.

"We also had a bit of banter over the behaviour of some town councils and I reassured everybody that Macclesfield town councillors are kind and polite to one another."

Yesterday (14 February), the government hit its national target to ensure everyone in the top four categories were offered their first dose of the vaccine, with more than 15 million people vaccinated.

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