Dorchester's large vaccination centre closes today (Thursday) as the Dorset Covid-19 vaccination programme moves into its next phase.

The centre, in the offices of the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group at Vespasian House, opened in December and has delivered more than 25,000 vaccinations in the past six months.

As well as offering vaccinations on-site, it has also been a base for the delivery of the programme into schools and care homes in the west of the county, as well as visits to give housebound people their vaccinations.

The centre's closure heralds a new model which aims to reach even more people by offering a more localised provision in key hubs around the county.

Sites in Weymouth, Bridport and Blandford Forum are or will soon be in operation, while the Pharmacy2U site on High West Street in Dorchester will become the primary vaccination centre for the county town.

Dr Ravin Ramtohal, of Highcliffe Medical Centre and clinical lead for the vaccination service, said: "The centre at Vespasian House has been a key site for our communities in the west of the county. We'd like to thank the thousands of people who have come forward for their vaccination there, as well as the staff and volunteers who have run it so efficiently.

"We're moving into the next phase of the programme now and we know that a more localised offer is what people prefer. We continue to encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of a vaccine, whether it's a first, second or booster dose. It's not too late to come forward."

For more information on where you can get your jab, visit the Dorset HealthCare vaccination service web page. You can book on the NHS National Booking System or by calling 119.