Around 75 volunteers attended the celebration last Saturday evening, which was held at the Constitutional Club on Fambridge Road, Maldon.

The event was held to thank the volunteers, who gave up their time to help get the local community vaccinated against COVID-19, as part of the largest vaccination campaign in British history.

Desmond Wright, Chairman of the Constitutional Club – and a volunteer himself – said: "It's a celebration of the community as well – the people of Maldon pulling together in a very difficult time.

"I'm proud to be a part of it."

The volunteers had worked at Maldon's vaccine centre since it opened in December 2020. Some even gave up as much as 400 hours of their time, showing visitors where to go, observing those who had just received the vaccine, along with marshalling queues and parking.

The event had originally been planned for 12 months ago but was cancelled due to limitations caused by COVID-19.

There was plenty of food and wine – with each guest being invited to take a bottle home as a further reward.

Supported by the Longfield and Blackwater medical centres, the event marked the end of the vaccination hub's operation at the Maldon District Council offices.

Without the volunteers, Mr Wright believes it would have been very difficult for the vaccine drive to succeed as well as it did.

He said: "Some days, there would be queues of 100 to 150 people waiting for their vaccine."

Town Councillor Martin Harvey, a member of the Constitutional Club, told Nub News the event aimed to give volunteers recognition for the hours they put in.

He said: "They showed real community spirit."

Following the closure of the vaccine hub, a Volunteer Matching Day was held last Friday at the Maldon & Tiptree Football Club. 12 local organisations turned up looking for volunteers – including Farleigh Hospice, RSPCA, and Wickham Bishops Scout Group.

It aimed to encourage those who were still interested in volunteering to continue to do so for a different cause.

Although the vaccination hub at the council offices stopped operating last Friday, those still needing a vaccine or booster jab can book them through the NHS website.