More than 250 NHS staff who stepped forward to help during the coronavirus crisis in Bolton, including recent graduates, have been thanked for their service.

New figures show that since the start of the pandemic, 284 workers helped to bolster resources at Royal Bolton Hospital.

A large number of these included recent graduates who finished their studies early to support the hospital’s response to coronavirus.

Francis Andrews, medical director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s been fantastic to welcome so many new doctors to Bolton NHS Foundation Trust at this critical and challenging time.

“Many of our new recruits actually graduated early to support the COVID response and have been an invaluable addition, taking on far more than was expected of them and becoming a crucial part of our workforce. “

By June, 6,449 members of staff were employed by the borough’s hospital, an increase of 331 from the same time last year, and 284 from February this year.

The medical director added: “As we move into the winter months and continue to face the pressures that COVID brings, we’re really pleased to welcome these new starters to our teams.”

The biggest increase in workers came from those in clinical support roles, whose numbers swelled from 2,018 to 2,251 in April - an increase of 233.

228 of these new recruits were hired specifically as support for doctors, nurses and midwives.

The number of foundation doctors rose from 59 to 100 from February to June, 72 of these in their first year, an increase of 37 over the pandemic.

David Greenhalgh, leader of Bolton Council, thanked the staff who gave their all for the town, saying: “We are so thankful to all those working on the front line, and it is brilliant to see so many people stepping up to help the NHS in our time of need.

“We are incredibly grateful for their skill and expertise, as well as all our health and social care staff, during this really difficult time.

“Their roles in the fight against this virus are absolutely essential.”

Nick Peel, Bolton's Labour Group leader, added: "These people who stepped up to help our local health services at a time of crisis are our heroes, and together with the heroes in the care sector and other key workers, have been working tirelessly and selflessly throughout the pandemic to keep us all safe.

"Many of these people have carried out their duties at great personal risk to themselves and we owe them all an enormous debt of gratitude."

Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South East, also hailed the work of everyone at the hospital during this difficult time.

She said: “The whole town I am sure have immense gratitude to the NHS staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.

“From the doctors and nurses providing that frontline care to the porters, cleaners and other support staff who keep the hospitals running, we have seen amazing dedication.

“To see that so many have stepped up at such a difficult time is something I admire greatly.”

Across the north west, the NHS figures show there were 6,707 extra members of NHS staff in June compared to February, at the start of the pandemic.