THESE are the seven County Durham areas which have so far vaccinated the most adults - as one area remains top of the region.

Latest vaccination figures from NHS England have been published which show how the rollout is progressing as more cohorts become eligible.

Last week, NHS England confirmed it was opening its national booking system to include everyone over the age of 50, and those with certain underlying health conditions.

It meant that mass vaccination sites and pharmacy sites had now opened to all priority groups, the last stage before being rolled out to adults without severe health issues.

Today, Northern Echo analysis of vaccination figues found that from December 8, 2020 and March 14, a total of 1,057,883 had at least their 1st dose in the region.

SEE MORE: The latest number of people in your North-East postcode who have had the Covid vaccine

The data showed that County Durham had so far seen the most vaccines given across its adult population in the region with 212,008 doses issued.

But breaking the number of vaccines issued down to almost street level has further revealed the main areas where the most doses have been given.

It had previously been reported that the Evenwood, Cockfield & Staindrop ward area, near Bishop Auckland, had seen the county's, and region's highest jabs administered.

SEE MORE: The County Durham area which has seen the North-East's MOST vaccines given

Most recent data again confirms this is still the case with a total of 6,369 1st and 2nd doses now issued to its population.

But data shows the remaining six areas which have vaccinated more than 4,000 of its population in each area.

Here are the top areas in County Durham where the most vaccines have been issued

- Evenwood, Cockfield & Staindrop - 6,369

- Shildon - 4,348

- Consett - 4,243

- Crook South - 4,143

- Spennymoor West - 4,075

- Benfieldside, Hamsterley & Medomsley - 4,061

- Saint Helen Auckland & West Auckland - 4,039

The rate of vaccination depends on how many people living in each area are classed as vulnerable and are in cohorts one to nine.

It means that some areas with a higher population consisting of over 70s may see their postcode area recording more jabs than somewhere with fewer over 55s for example.

But in a joint-statement issued by councils in the north of the region on Monday, including Durham County Council, the progress overall was congratulated.

In their statement, they said: "We’ve established community testing centres and programmes, which will play a key part in reopening our economy.  

"We’ve worked collaboratively with health partners to create vaccination centres and we’ve been preparing for the future, living with Covid with fewer restrictions in place.

"The progress with vaccinations has been remarkable. Safe and effective jabs are already reducing infections and saving lives.

"And with approximately half of all adults having received at least a first dose, hopefully we’re on the way to our loved ones and communities being fully protected.

"We urge everyone who has been offered to take up the vaccination – it is the best way to protect yourself and others from this deadly virus."