Local journalist Martin Hovden writes: Just had the best Saturday night out for such a long time. Even the threat of snow couldn’t put me off hitting the streets.

But this was a Saturday night out with a huge difference  – no booze, no loud music, no fights (well, I have calmed down in recent years).

Best part for me was when I was asked to roll up my sleeve – and was injected with the Covid vaccine. What a high that was.

I’m in the 65-69 age group of vulnerable people and thought it would be a few weeks before I had mine. So full praise to the NHS for being ahead of the game – and working on a Saturday night!

My heartfelt thanks to the amazing people in the vaccination centre – it was a real hive of activity inside with friendly and helpful medical staff. They fire a lot of information at you when you’re there, so make sure you don’t throw away the explanatory leaflet they give you as you leave.

By the way, they inject you in the top of your arm, so try not to go like me, dressed with five layers of clothes (it was a cold night). The two young men who gave me the vaccine were very understanding and patient.

It’s such a relief to get your first jab (next one in 12 weeks) and you really do walk on air for hours afterwards.

I was phoned on Thursday afternoon to confirm my Saturday appointment. And to be honest, I did worry about it. But believe me, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. And like me, I think you will actually enjoy the experience – plus the protection.

My mum died of Covid a few months ago. She missed the vaccine by just a few weeks. So please, please, when you are offered the vaccine, do it…and by the way, it doesn’t hurt.