Bridport is one of six GP-led centres in Dorset delivering coronavirus vaccines to those aged 80 and over this week.

Bridport Medical Centre was selected as Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network's site, which also covers practices in Beaminster, Lyme Regis and Charmouth and will start vaccinations on Wednesday.

The medical centre has been allocated 975 doses of the vaccine in this first roll-out.

Dr Karen Kirkham, GP, clinical lead for Dorset Covid-19 vaccination programme and assistant clinical director of NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: "As a local GP in Dorset, I'm so proud of the huge effort that has been made locally to deliver this next phase of the vaccination programme.

"I would like to say a personal thank you to all of the local GPs, nurses, pharmacists, support and logistical staff, other primary care staff, and those in the wider health and social care system who have been working round the clock to make it happen.

"Primary care networks have been working rapidly to redesign their sites and put in place safe processes to meet the tough logistical challenges of offering the vaccination.

"This is very much going to be a marathon, rather than a sprint, and we'd like to ask for the continued help of the public to help us as we continue the roll-out of the vaccination programme for the people of Dorset.

"The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have the vaccine. It's important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then.

"If you can't make an appointment let us know as soon as possible and we can then offer the slot to someone else. You will be called again."

Sam Crowe, director of public health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole councils, said: "It's great to see this next phase of the Covid-19 vaccination programme getting underway in Dorset.

"With such a huge programme, it is going to take time to reach everybody and offer enough protection against the virus, so in the meantime it's really important that we continue to follow the rules to prevent transmission.

"Please only meet people from other households outdoors and keep washing your hands regularly, wearing a face covering and maintaining your distance from others.

"We also need to remain vigilant for any symptoms of Covid-19 - a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change of taste or smell. Please self-isolate immediately and book a test if you have any of these, and remain at home with your household until you get your results back."

This latest phase builds on the work of the hospital hubs launched nationally last week, which included Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

For more information, visit bridportmedicalcentre.co.uk