Volunteers at a Maldon vaccination centre have reached another milestone by clocking up 10,000 volunteering hours, after delivering a landmark 50,000 jabs last month.

The team at Longfield Medical Centre, in the Maldon District Council (MDC) offices on Princes Road, began administering vaccines in December 2020.

184 clinic sessions have been delivered at the centre so far by a team of 100 volunteers, which includes external greeters, marshals, internal chaperones and post-vaccination observer roles.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Community Voluntary Service (MDCVS), which has been a major force in supplying volunteers for the hub, said: "This is a great demonstration of a community coming together in times of need."

They added: "Many of the volunteers have undertaken multiple shifts to cover the clinic sessions.

"Each and every one of the volunteers is appreciated, whether they've been able to give an hour or 100's of hours at the centre."

Many of the volunteers also expressed their pride in being able to help out the community.

Mark Jones said: "It's a good feeling doing something to help.

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"I had one young lady that was starting to collapse and I got her to lay down. She thanked me for my quick thinking and I told her that's what I'm here for."

Some of the volunteers are new to volunteering, while others have helped out in other roles before.

Geoff Wood, who has also delivered food parcels, said: "I enjoy helping people. I got into this to help people. I find it rewarding."

Gerry Courtney has been volunteering at the vaccine clinic since mid-December.

She said: "When the older folk were coming for their vaccines the place was buzzing with chat for many of them hadn't been out in all the lockdown and this was their first outing.

"It was wonderful to see."

Karen Wright has been volunteering for over six years and started volunteering at the vaccine clinic after being told about it by a friend.

For those thinking about volunteering, she said: "Definitely go for it and give it a try. It's a wonderful way of meeting new people and helping out.

"It's really satisfying because you know you've actually given something back."

If you would like to find out more about volunteering, or would like to see what volunteering roles are on offer in and around Essex please visit the Volunteer Essex website using the link here.