Teamwork is essential in every aspect of life - more so than now than ever.

And I want to thank every single one of you for being part of Team Bolton which is putting the needs of our communities and the country first during the coronavirus crisis.

Thank you for staying at home, and for maintaining social distancing when you do go out to make essential trips or to exercise. I know how hard this is, especially at this time of year when we have had Easter, Passover and Ramadan; or when we have a sunny Bank Holiday, when we naturally want to see our friends and family.

Talking of Bank Holidays – it’s the 75th anniversary of VE Day tomorrow. While we were all looking forward to street parties, please keep the home fires burning instead and celebrate from your living room. We haven’t won this battle yet, and it’s vital that we stick to the rules to stop the virus spreading and taking more of our loved ones.

Thank you for looking after your vulnerable neighbours, volunteering at our community hubs, checking in with family and friends by social media and phone, and clapping for our key workers at 8pm every Thursday.

And thank you to all our health and care staff who are working tremendously hard in difficult circumstances, particularly those who are in daily contact with people who have the virus and need PPE to protect them. They are looking after our loved ones, often when we can’t.

Remember, also, that the NHS is here to treat more than Covid-19. If you have a serious health problem, please seek medical help. Call your GP practice or in an emergency 999, and be assured that the hospital is a safe place to get the urgent help you need.

As the saying goes, there is no ‘I’ in team, and we will get through this together.