HAMBLETON Grange care home in Thirsk has become one of the first in North Yorkshire to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccination.

Over recent weeks, the residents and their families have been eagerly awaiting news of when they will be able to receive the vaccine and were thrilled to find out that they were top of the list for the jab.

Dr Lindsey Raeburn and Registered Nurses from Lambert Medical Centre have now attended the home and carried out the vaccinations quickly and efficiently.

Each resident was paired with a member of care home staff who provided extra support during the vaccination process.

Resident Jean Smith, 99, who has lived at Hambleton Grange since December 2019, said: "Everyone at Hambleton Grange has been fantastic and it just felt right to do this together.

"It all went smoothly and was very well organised.

"I feel privileged to be one of the first to have the vaccine and although we have stayed safe at home, I am hopeful that this is the start of the whole world bouncing back."

Hambleton Grange home manager, Nikki Higgins, said: "2020 was a real challenge for everyone, but we have always had faith that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the availability of a vaccine has been our continued hope that we will return to normal.

"The Registered Nurses who came to complete the vaccinations have been amazing and the process was fast and efficient.

"We just can’t wait to feel safe in the knowledge that our residents are protected from this virus, as that has been the most important thing to us throughout.

"Our staff have been inspirational throughout the pandemic – not just for the way they have worked together to protect their residents but also for how quickly and efficiently they have responded to numerous new guidelines over the last few months.

"It is an emotional moment to be able to take this positive step together in the fight against coronavirus."