A group of pensioners who have been among the first to have their Covid-19 jab at Broomfield Hospital told how pleased they are - to begin the path back to a more normal life and to help protect others around them.

The Chelmsford hospital opened its vaccination hub this week for the very first time as part of the national race to roll out the vaccine to the 80-plus and frontline health and care workers.

Eighty-two year-old Alan McClaughlin, from Rayne, said: "It's absolutely important to me to get this done. I'm all for it. It was just a quick little jab and it is an important part of trying to protect the people around you."

Sally Wraight, 83, travelled from Clacton for her jab and said she felt no pain having the vaccine and explained why she felt it important to have it.

"I've had the jab and I am looking forward to having my second one now. It will make such a big difference. I think I would be silly not to have the jab especially with the emergence of the new strain. We must take every opportunity we can to protect ourselves."

That sentiment was echoed by Dr Raja Maroju, who works in A&E at Broomfield, and was one of the first frontline staff at the hospital to receive a vaccination.

He said: "I'm so pleased to have been part of this on day one at Broomfield Hospital, and we should all feel confident in taking this vaccine because it is all evidence-based. There are enough studies that have been done and enough research to back it all up. There's nothing to fear."

And Jean Laws, from Braintree, aged 80, added: "It feels like a massive privilege to be honest. I can't wait to get back on track with things."