Pop-up clinics held by the Essex Vaccination Van at the start of the month have been praised for delivering vaccines to residents who had not been able to access clinics elsewhere.

The Essex Vax Van parked outside Burnham Station House on 3, 5 and 7 February to offer vaccines to anyone who had not already received a first, second or booster dose.

The pilot initiative aimed to improve the accessibility of the vaccine for Burnham residents, who otherwise have to travel outside of the town - such as to the Maldon District Council offices on Princes Road - to get vaccinated as there is no dedicated hub in Burnham.

Councillor Mary-Ann Munford said: "Through the hard work of the Maldon and District CVS [Community Voluntary Service], Burnham Town Council and a band of volunteer marshals, the NHS successfully delivered over 100 vaccines to those aged 12 and upwards who hadn't been able to access vaccination clinics elsewhere."

Councillor Munford thanked the cooperation of other partners - National Car Parks, Greater Anglia and Co-op Food- who also helped to make the clinics happen.

The specially-converted Ford Transit van was designed by Ford, the NHS and community leaders to maximise uptake of Covid vaccines across the county, working with community leaders to deliver vaccines in areas of low uptake.

It has been shortlisted as a finalist for the "most impactful project addressing healthcare inequalities" by the HSJ Partnership Awards in recognition of its outstanding contribution to healthcare.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Westminster Park Plaza in London on 24 March.