Hounslow's adult care homes will receive the first stage of COVID-19 vaccinations over coming week.

It means all care homes are due to see residents vaccinated at the first stage of the UK-wide NHS vaccination programme by the end of January.

Hounslow Council's Cabinet lead for Adults, Social Care and Health Cllr Candice Atterton said: "While these have been the most terrible months, with too many tragic losses for families and communities, this provides the first sight of the pathway out.

"These high-priority vaccinations will be the first step for people to get their lives back, to be reunited with loved ones and to begin the return to normal.

"Over all these months now the work of the council's Public Health staff, GPs, NHS staff and most especially the frontline care staff who are their primary carers supporting residents in these care homes has been selfless and exemplary.

"We applaud them all for their commitment, and we hope that this step forward will begin the journey to normality for them too.

"For other Hounslow residents the message is clear: you will be contacted for your own vaccination, but for now, sit tight, stay at home and stay safe.

"Nobody can be vaccinated if they have the virus, so following the rules and getting the vaccine when it is your turn is the way to get your life back."