Nearly 1,000 people received the coronavirus vaccine in Bridport yesterday, the first in the area as the vaccination programme is rolled out.

Bridport Medical Centre was chosen as Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network's site - which also incorporates practices in Beaminster, Lyme Regis and Charmouth - to deliver 975 vaccines to those aged over 80.

Marshals helped with car parking and staff worked long hours to ensure all 975 were vaccinated yesterday (Wednesday) in order to limit the disruption to all of the practices offering staff.

Many volunteers came into help and The Parlour at Burton Bradstock dropped off pizzas for the team.

Speaking to Dr Andy Finucane, clinical director of Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network - who also gave the very first vaccine at the medical centre - just as the vaccinations got underway, he said: "All the vaccinators were here from 7am and I did the very first vaccine at 8.30am.

"It was good, it was one of my patients, which was really nice. People are very relieved; they see this as the beginning of getting back to their normal lives.

"The practice managers were phoning around at the weekend to invite people in because by the time we were given the go ahead, the time frame was very short to book vaccinations. But practice managers report people being absolutely delighted to be called in for a vaccine.

"Although they have been working very hard, they left on a high despite working the whole of Saturday phoning people."

The first patient to have it in Bridport was Edward Conisbee.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted. The set up was excellent and the amount of people on hand to help us through the system was fantastic.

"I've had no problems at all following the injection, only a small ache at the top of my arm"

Nigel Whitaker was among those to get the vaccination yesterday.

He said: "I feel great, I am very lucky."

And his advice to those unsure of getting the vaccine: "Do it and think about everyone else you are protecting."

Simon Sprent said it was "a privilege to have had this vaccine" and that there is "nothing to be afraid of".

"People need to have confidence in the scientists who have been able to develop this vaccine," he said.

Mr and Mrs Slade were also two of the 975 to have their vaccinations at Bridport Medical Centre.

They said it was "wonderful" to have the vaccine.

Mr Slade said: "It's no different from the flu jab - I think everyone should have it."