A NEW Covid-19 vaccination centre was launched at the weekend.

The centre, based as the Acacia Suite in the Masonic Hall in Willaston is the second pharmacy-led service established by two businessmen, Roger Morris and Raj Patel, who are determined to help the expansion of jab services in the wider Crewe area.

It opened its doors on Saturday (May 15) with over 1,000 people vaccinated on its first two days of operation.

In January this year Roger, owner of the Crewe Honda Centre, loaned half the floor space of his showroom in West Street so that his long-time friend, Raj, who runs Hollowood Chemists, could use the converted space.

That vaccination centre is now one of the most successful in the North West region, having administered 20,000 jabs thus far.

NHS chiefs approached Raj last month about opening a second centre and Roger recalled: "He [Raj] asked me if I knew anywhere he could rent.

"I'm a director and shareholder at the Acacia Suite and all the other directors agreed that we would donate the use of the hall free of charge for vaccinations. I am sure it will be a great success."

Raj added: "I would like to thank Roger and the whole of the Masonic Hall for allowing such a worthy cause to take place."