HEALTH secretary Matt Hancock has praised teams in Barrow and surrounding areas for being one of the 'best performing Covid vaccination teams in the country'.

The health secretary lavished praise on everyone involved at the Barrow and Millom Primary Care Network (PCN) in a letter addressed to Furness MP Simon Fell.

"I am writing to update you on the fantastic efforts of your local Covid vaccination teams," he wrote.

"I am delighted to inform you that Barrow Millom PCN is one of the best performing Covid vaccination teams in the country, with the highest total number of vaccinations in cohorts one-six of any PCN in Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.

"Britain is leading the global fightback against the virus, being the first country in the world to approve a clinically trialled vaccine and now deploying the vaccine on the ground faster than almost any other country in the world. And this is down to the tireless efforts of all those involved - especially those on the ground in our communities, from nurses, to GP's, to pharmacies, to volunteers, and so many more.

"It's incredible to see this community spirit, as people pull together to lead us collectively out of the pandemic.

"I hope you will join me in thanking and congratulating all those involved in your area for the part they are playing in this national effort."

This comes just days after Barrow and Millom PCN celebrated their best day of vaccinations yet, with a record 1,900 jabs given in one clinic.

They said that they were 'really proud' to have completed almost 33,000 vaccinations in Barrow and Millom, with 27,000 of those being first doses.

They have also invited everyone over the age of 50 to have their first vaccination.

Responding to the letter, Mr thanked all of those who made it possible to be one of the country's best.

He said: "Great to receive a letter in the post from Matt Hancock praising Barrow and Millom PCN as one of the best performing Covid vaccination teams in the country.

"Huge congratulations to Dr Sarah Arun and the incredible team there, and to Rotary Barrow in Furness, the Rotary Club of Furness, Rotary Furness Peninsula, and all the other volunteers who have made this achievement possible."