Shepton Mallet residents should be on their guard against a new text scam as they wait for their coronavirus vaccine.

Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards has issued a warning about fake texts which could lead to people's bank details being stolen.

Fraud experts and the police have warned the scam is "very convincing" and urges anyone who may have been a victim to contact their local Citizens' Advice.

This warning comes as the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) prepares to expand its roll-out of the vaccine through GP surgeries.

The new scam involves fraudsters sending out texts to individuals offering them a coronavirus vaccine, with a link directing them to a fake NHS website.

The scam message reads: "We have identified that you are eligible to apply for your vaccine", with the link encouraging people to "apply" for their vaccine.

Once on the website, people are asked to input their bank details to register for a vaccine.

A spokesman for trading standards said: "If you receive a text or email that asks you to click on a link or for you to provide information, such as your name, credit card or bank details, delete it immediately.

"Remember, the NHS will never ask for your payment details."

Both the Pfizer Biotech and the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines will be given in Somerset, with the CCG slowly expanding the number of places where people can receive their jabs.

The vaccines are currently being offered at 12 sites – hospital hubs at both Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil Hospital, and a further ten GP-led community sites.

Teams of vaccinators are also visiting care homes to ensure that all Somerset residents aged 80 and over are prioritised, along with all front-line health and social care workers.

The government's joint committee has identified the highest priority groups – meaning people will be contacted directly when it is their turn for the vaccine.

The more recent site to offer the vaccine is The Meadows Surgery on Canal Way in Ilminster, which is part of the CLICK primary care network of seven GP surgeries.

Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton will begin offering vaccinations to priority individuals this weekend and will thereafter operate a vaccination hub seven days a week.

People are reminded that they will be contacted by the NHS directly to arrange a vaccination appointment.

Please do not contact the NHS directly or visit any of the 12 sites in Somerset to ask about the vaccine.

When you have been contacted, please attend your booked appointments, and continue to follow all the guidance to control the spread of the virus and save lives.