10,000 Coronavirus vaccines have now been administered in Darlington, it has been confirmed, as the borough's council leader said she was 'proud' of the town's response to the pandemic. 

One year on from the first confirmed coronavirus case in the region, officials have praised the resilience and community spirit of Darlington people pulling together to beat the virus.

Organisers of the Darlington Primary Care Network vaccination clinic confirmed they had administered the 10,000th vaccination at the site this afternoon - a figure which does not include the Darlington residents who have been vaccinated at the vaccination site in Newcastle.

Darlington MP Peter Gibson said: "The PCN team in Darlington have worked incredibly hard to achieve this fantastic milestone. I am delighted to learn that they have delivered their 10,000th vaccine."

Councillor Kevin Nicholson, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and housing, said: “2020 was an exceptionally difficult year for us all, but the people of Darlington have pulled together and risen to the challenges presented to us by Covid-19.

“I am so proud of the community spirit that has been on display over the last year; I have been incredibly moved by the acts of kindness others have shown throughout this pandemic.

“I’m delighted that we have now completed over 12,500 community tests in Darlington, we were the first town in the North-East to have its own mass testing scheme, which is really helping to drive down case rates and protect communities."

Cllr Nicholson said Darlington's vaccination programme is progressing 'brilliantly', with 80 per cent of over 80s vaccinated and over 7,500 vaccinations given overall.

He added: “As we celebrate those fantastic achievements we must remember that there is still a long way to go.

"As difficult as things have been at times, I’m optimistic about our future, and I’m confident that in time we will reflect on the things we all did, and remember those who we lost with great affection.”

Councillor Heather Scott, leader of the council, said: "One year has passed since the first case of Covid-19 in our region, and for many of us, it’s been a challenging and uncertain time.

"But there is one thing that all of us in Darlington know for sure – the community spirit of our town has never been stronger.

“Our communities have truly come together in response to the pandemic.

"As the first area in the North-East to have its own mass community testing scheme, Darlington has shown commitment and dedication to protecting our most vulnerable members of the community and the NHS.

“Every resident, volunteer and member of local authority staff who has played their part in keeping Darlington on the right track has made me proud.

Cllr Scott added: "I am incredibly moved by what Darlington has achieved over the past year and truly believe that the future is bright for our town."

A spokesperson for the council said: "A truly outstanding achievement - 10,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines given in Darlington!

"Congratulations to all involved and a huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers who have came together to support the town's vaccination programme."