BOLTON MP Yasmin Qureshi was one of more than 100 people to have received the coronavirus vaccine today at the new pop-up centre.

The Pikes Lane Centre, in Deane Road, has opened as a vaccination centre to make it easier for people to get the jab.

And on its opening day alone around 162 people received the covid-injection.

She told The Bolton News: "I had been asking for the CCG to have more centres in the community to make it easier for the community, especially for those who are economically and socially deprived, so they don't have to take buses into the town centre.

"The centre was very organised, everyone was very friendly and professional and the injection was fine.

"My message to everyone who is offered the vaccination to take it.

"I am looking forward to everyone having received the vaccine so we can go an enjoy this beautiful country and revive the economy at the same time.

"The vaccine roll out has been a huge success because it has been carried out by the NHS, the Clinical Commissioning Group which are in the public sector, not like track and trace which was give to a private company and today it is still hit and miss."

Encouraging people to take the vaccine, Ms Qureshi, who is the MP for Bolton South East, created a short video for Twitter.

She says: "I would say to every one when you are offered the vaccine to take it as soon as possible. Doctors and scientists across the the world have deemed the vaccine to be safe.

"This vaccine will stop you from getting seriously unwell ­— I have had my vaccine will you have you yours?"

People registered at 13 practices had the choice to have their Covid-19 vaccination at Pikes Lane on today with marshal, who can speak different languages on had to help out.

The Pikes Lane Centre acted as a pilot in the first instance, but there is scope to extend vaccinations at this site and also look at other ‘hub and spoke’ models in the borough.