As the nation prepares for the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccinations, the Bath and West Showground near Shepton Mallet has accepted an invitation to become one of the main vaccination centres to service the Somerset area.

The Royal Bath and West of England Society says it is privileged to be part of the largest peace-time project since the war years - the vaccination programme is set to be vital to get the nation back on its feet and a major boost to the depleted events and hospitality sector.

The national roll-out will commence in due course with a commitment from NHS England to provide Covid-19 vaccinations through to the spring of 2021.

There will be a process of booking for vaccinations once the centre at the Bath and West site is live and not an automatic walk in day scheme. The general public are advised to wait for more details to be released in due course.

Rupert Cox, CEO of the Royal Bath and West of England Society, said: "This is great news for Somerset and for the Bath and West.

"It is an honour to have been selected to host this major vaccination programme for the benefit of Somerset residents and we are working with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to make sure the logistics run as smoothly as possible.

"A successful nationwide vaccination campaign will also increase the chances of events being back up and running on the showground and provide a much-needed confidence boost to everyone within the event industry."