Bridport Medical Centre is picking up the pace of its vaccination programme dealing with 'up to 2,000 patients a day' in what it describes as a 'logistical challenge'.

The next phase will see regular clinics being held for residents aged 75-79 - the first this weekend - and it is warned the area surrounding the centre including car parks will be very busy. People are urged to plan ahead.

Volunteers are sought to help out on the day.

The centre is set to benefit from an increased flow of Covid-19 vaccination stock, which will allow the Jurassic Coast Healthcare team to expand its vaccination programme.

The supply of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will allow them to vaccinate between 1,500 to 2,000 patients per day, and the team now hope to hold two regular vaccination clinics per week - presuming the delivery of vaccine continues at the same pace.

The Bridport area has now moved into the third cohort of the programme, involving residents aged from 75 to 79 years, and the team is contacting patients to book into these clinics.

The first will be held this Saturday.

The large volume of vaccinations are posing a 'logistical challenge' with car parking at the centre and traffic in the surrounding roads, so residents are are advised to plan ahead before attending.

Those attending should arrive no earlier than five minutes before their scheduled appointment time.

Parking onsite will be strictly limited to those with severe mobility issues who would not otherwise be able to get to the centre.

The medical centre is asking those attending for vaccinations to utilise the public car parks in and around the town centre.

Dorset Council has allocated additional car parking space for those attending for a Covid-19 vaccination at (Plotinghams and West Street car parks). There will be no charge for patients attending the centre for vaccination and marshals will be on hand to direct walkers to the centre.

For those dropping off and picking up patients, the estimated time for collection will be around 15 minutes from drop off time.

A centre spokesman said: "The vaccinating teams and marshals will do everything they can to minimise wait times, but queues do sometimes spill outside; a dry day is forecast but patients are asked to wear suitable clothing and footwear to prepare against cold and wet weather.

"Please avoid West Allington and West Road as queueing traffic is expected; the team will do their best to keep things moving but request that anyone local to please avoid the area on these days."

The medical centre is also looking for volunteers to help marshal at the clinics to help proceedings run smoothly.

If you are interested in volunteering please email volunteeringbmc@gmail.com