THOUSANDS of volunteers are ready and waiting to help deliver the ambitious coronavirus vaccination programme in Dorset.

A call for action has seen more than 2,000 people come forward offering to work as marshals at vaccination sites across the county.

Community Action Network and Volunteer Centre Dorset joined forces to put together a register of those prepared to help the vaccination process go as smoothly as possible.

And they are confident they will reach the 3,000 mark soon.

Many of those offering their services will be asked to help at the Bournemouth International Centre.

It is set to open as a regional mass vaccination centre within weeks.

The role of marshals is intended to allow health professionals to get on with vaccinating people in as efficient a way as possible.

Marshals will provide reassurance and encourage social distancing. They will be able to welcome people to sites and escort them to vaccination points.Travel expenses will be paid and PPE will be provided.

There will be vaccination centres across the county, many at GP surgeries and in other community settings, but the Bournemouth International Centre is set to be the biggest.

Anyone over the age of 16 can offer to help with all asked to give a minimum commitment of 24 hours, spread over the next three months.

Shifts will be available seven days a week between 8am and 8pm.

Organisers hope that people who are unable to work during the latest lockdown will offer their time to help with the programme.

Anyone interested can register for the volunteering hub at can100.org

The network will be in touch with start dates and details of a training and welcome session.

People will then be able to book to volunteer when it’s convenient for them.