The Archbishop of Canterbury has received a Covid-19 vaccination - which he describes as "an answer to prayer".

The Most Reverend Justin Welby received the jab at St Thomas' Hospital in London, and is now urging those across the world to help relieve the burden on healthcare workers by accepting invites for vaccinations.

Although aged 65, the Archbishop received the jab as he works as a volunteer chaplain at the hospital.

He said: "I want to encourage everyone to get the Covid vaccine when they are invited.

"Staff across the NHS, and health workers across the world, are under immense pressure on the front lines of this pandemic.

"They deserve not just our admiration but our support - and getting the vaccine when we have the opportunity is something we can all do to help relieve the burden on them."

The Archbishop has been volunteering at St Thomas' over the past year, an experience he describes as a "privilege".

"Chaplains here and across the country are doing a vital job of providing spiritual and pastoral care to patients, staff and relatives at this acutely painful and difficult time," he said.

"The rapid development of the vaccine is an answer to prayer - and it is central to the recovery from this terrible pandemic."

He added the getting the vaccine may be seen as a way of fulfilling the Christian commandment to "love our neighbour as ourselves".

"We can show our love for each other by keeping each other safe from this terrible disease," he said.

"To everyone in this country and across the world, I want to say please, please accept the invitation to get the jab when it comes - and encourage everyone around you to do the same."

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury