William Shakespeare, the first man in the world to take the first jab of COVID-19 vaccine, has died.

He was 81.

William’s name and face graced the front page of publications and media outlets on December 8 2020 after receiving his vaccine at the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

The pensioner from Coventry died last Thursday, May 20, at the same hospital, of an unrelated illness.

Local councillor Ms Jayne Innes has described him as a “much-loved figure” with the Coventry Labour party, The Mirror reports.

Innes said: “He was such a lovely man, one who had a real commitment to making his local area better.

“During lockdown local families will have enjoyed walking amongst the trees planted by Bill and his colleagues in Allesley back in the 1980s.

“He was also very involved with the creation of the Coundon Wood in 2005 and in fundraising for the purchase of Elkin Wood, now managed by the Woodland Trust in 1997.”

William once worked at Rolls Royce and was also a school governor at Allesley Primary School, as well as at Coundon Court School.

The grandfather leaves behind his wife and two sons.