A mass Covid-19 vaccination hub has opened in north-west London as the Government announced the rollout will be extended to over-70s.

The large vaccination site, in the Olympic Office Centre, Wembley, is the first to open in the region and will initially cater for those aged 80 and over as well as healthcare workers.

It joins nine other centres which opened across England today (January 18), with seven others, including London’s ExCel, already in use.

Cllr Neil Nerva, who is responsible for public health, leisure and culture at Brent Council, said: “As the UK’s most diverse borough we were hit particularly hard in the first wave of the virus, so I am really pleased that Brent has been chosen for one of the first new mass vaccination centres.

“I would like to thank all the amazing NHS staff, council workers and the army of volunteers who have helped to set up the site and will keep it running over the coming months.

“It’s a huge relief that the vaccine is being offered to our most vulnerable residents and those who care for them.”

The local NHS explained letters are being sent out to those aged 80 and over who live within 45 minutes of the site and are yet to be vaccinated – they will be able to book an appointment either through the phone or online.

It urged people not to get in touch seeking a vaccine and reiterated that it would reach out to those eligible.

More vaccination centres are expected to open across north-west London in “the coming weeks”.

Earlier today, the Government confirmed vaccines would soon be offered to those aged 70 and over, following a programme of targeting those who are critically vulnerable to Covid-19.