Darlington Gypsy spokesman Billy Welch issues vaccination plea

Billy Welch, a spokesman for the Gypsy and traveller community, got his vaccine on Sunday

A gypsy spokesman is urging travellers to get the Covid-19 vaccine to allow events such as the Appleby Horse Fair to resume.

Billy Welch, of Darlington, said many had refused the jab because they believed in false conspiracy theories about its safety and also had a "general mistrust of authority".

But Mr Welch said getting the jab was the "way back to normal life."

The 59-year-old had his first jab at Feethams House in Darlington on Sunday.

The annual horse fair in the Cumbrian town of Appleby was cancelled last year for only the second time in its 250-year history.

The 2021 fair was due to be held in June but has been postponed with hopes it can go ahead later in the year.

Before last year, the fair was last cancelled during the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak

Mr Welch said: "Getting the jab is the quickest way for us all to get back to a normal way of life.

"I've had my first dose and it was a doddle.

"Many people were reluctant because of conspiracy theories and also because there is a general mistrust of authority in the travelling community.

"But people are coming round to getting it. If we don't take up the offer of the vaccine this virus will continue to circulate throughout our communities.

"The more people who are vaccinated the better, as getting the jab is the quickest way for us all to get back to a normal way of life and to community events like Appleby Horse Fair.

"If there is another spike in Covid-19 cases, then the fair will have no chance of taking place this year."

Dr Amanda Riley, clinical director of Darlington's Primary Care Network, said anyone who has already declined the vaccination can "change their minds" and receive one.