Nearly nine in ten of Cheshire's over-50 population have had their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, new data shows.

The data, from NHS England up to March 21, shows that an average of 87.3 per cent of those in the various age groups from 50 onwards have had their first dose.

Within that, 95 per cent of 60-64 year olds, 93 per cent of those aged 65-69, 98 per cent of the 70-74 group, 100 per cent of the 75-79 bracket, and 98 per cent of 80-plus have been given their first dose.

Earlier in the week, NHS Cheshire CCG — the body running the roll-out regionally — said they were 'pleased' with progress.

Speaking on the first anniversary of lockdown, Accountable Officer Clare Watson said: "We can be confident and pleased with the progress we are making with the vaccine programme. Across Cheshire, 90 per cent of over-65s have had their first dose."

There was also reassurance from Ms Watson that the county remained on track to jab the top nine priority groups by the middle of April.

"Despite the publicity around vaccine supply that we are seeing in the national press, Cheshire is still on track to offer the vaccine to all patients in cohorts 1-9 by April 15," the official told Cheshire West and Chester Council's Covid-19 outbreak board.

She added: "There are appointments out there but they are filling up so if you are in those groups please go and get your vaccination done.

"We are beginning to plan for cohorts 10-12 and we will be able to share more information about that at a later date.

"That is after April 15 — we are on track on the planning and modelling in terms of that."

Council Director of Public Health, Ian Ashworth, also added that in the age groups that have already received the vaccine, there has been a marked reduction in infection rates.