A Grays pensioner was the first person in the region that includes Maldon to be vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine yesterday (Tuesday, 8 December)..

Frederick Benton, 94, a World War II veteran, was selected to be the first person to be vaccinated at Basildon and Thurrock Hospital – one of 50 hubs across the country chosen to administer initial does of the new jab.

He will return in three weeks for a second follow-up jab and should then be protected from the bug. The vaccine has a 95 per cent success rate.

Across the region served by the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, those aged 80 or over are being contacted by the hospital via text messages and they will be able to book online through a link provided in the text message or can call the dedicated booking line on 0333 0153 478.

Mr Benton said: "I feel really privileged to be one of the first people in the country to have the vaccine. We're really lucky, it's marvellous."

A spokesperson from the hospital trust, said: "We are one of the 50 hubs chosen to give the COVID-19 vaccine, and we're really excited to be giving it to those who need it most. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible."