Family doctors in Devon will begin giving the coronavirus vaccine to local people from today (15 Dec), as the NHS continues its phased roll-out of the vaccination programme.

GP practices are working in groups to set up local vaccination centres for their patients, which will open in phases over coming weeks.

The first phase of GP-led vaccination centres in Devon will see the opening of eight sites serving 49 of the county's practices.

People registered to Honiton Surgery will be asked to travel to Exmouth for their vaccination.

But local people are also being reminded they should not contact their practice or hospital to ask about an appointment – the NHS will contact you when it's your turn.

As well as using NHS locations like GP surgeries and health centres, some local vaccination centres are being opened in more unusual venues.

In Devon, these specially adapted sites include Exmouth Tennis and Fitness Centre, The Staddy function centre in Plymouth, and the Riviera International Centre in Torquay.

The eight locations in Devon's first wave of local vaccination centres will see nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and other NHS staff working alongside doctors to vaccinate people aged over 80 and care home workers, who have been identified as priority groups for a life-saving vaccination.

In Devon, the eight sites in the first phase are:

• Abbey Surgery, Tavistock
• Exmouth Tennis and Fitness Centre
• Limes Surgery, Exminster
• Okehampton Medical Centre
• Riviera International Centre, Torquay
• St Boniface House, near Buckfastleigh
• Seaton Community Hospital
• The Staddy function centre, Plymouth

Exmouth Tennis and Fitness Centre

At Exmouth Tennis and Fitness Centre, patients from 10 local practices will be vaccinated from Tuesday onwards in specially adapted clinical facilities positioned on one of the indoor courts.

Dr Barry Coakley, a GP and Clinical Director of Woodbury, Exmouth and Budleigh (WEB) Primary Care Network, who is among those leading the set-up of the centre, said: "We feel honoured to play our part in this wonderful national COVID vaccination programme.

"As soon as the opportunity arose, the teams from all ten practices have come together, working with great skill and efficiency, seizing the moment to ensure that these lifesaving vaccinations are delivered to our communities.

"We would like to thank all those who have been waiting patiently to be contacted for their invitation.

We are working through our patient lists in order, as set out in the national guidance, and will make contact with everyone who is eligible in due course."