The Harlequins stadium vaccination centre is to re-open during the half-term to offer jabs to children aged 12-15 against the background of rising infection rates.

The move follows a plea from the Council leader, Gareth Roberts, to the local NHS Clinical Commissioning Group. (CCG)

Last week, the government announced moves to encourage children and others to come forward for vaccinations, however no jab clinics were announced for the Richmond borough.

This meant youngsters from the area – who had not already been vaccinated at school – would have to travel to Roehampton or Kingston.

Now - from Wednesday, October 27 – the Stoop rugby ground will be accepting pre-booked appointments for 12-15 year olds on weekdays only until November 5.

The move is designed to ensure that those who have not had the opportunity to be vaccinated at their school can still find a jab elsewhere rather than having to wait.

Cllr Roberts said: "Thank you to the local NHS CCG for organising a local venue for our young people to have the jab.

"As we see our case numbers continue to rise, it is important that all those who want the vaccination can do so easily and don't have to travel long distances.

"Having the COVID-19 vaccine not only protects the individual, it also helps minimise the risk of transmission to others.

"If you have a child aged 12-15, go online now and book their jab at the Quins this week."

Book a vaccination here.