THE team who oversaw the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine locally are being honoured at a historic event.

The 2021 Bridport Charter Fair will be held in the Bridport Arts Centre and at Bucky Doo Square on Saturday, September 25.

The event will see the Charter Fair Trophy presented to staff at the Bridport Medical Centre for their 'tireless work throughout the pandemic and the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination'.

The vaccination clinics involved a huge effort with volunteers from the community supporting staff. The large number of vaccinations - up to 1,700 per day - posed a huge logistical challenge.

Arthur Woodgate, chairman of the Bridport Charter Fair Charter Fair, said: “It’s good to see Bridport becoming the vibrant, eventful town once again, and it feels particularly good to be a part of that with the re-emergence of the Charter Fair.

"We are so pleased to be able to recognise the quite amazing work of our Bridport Medical Centre with the award of the Charter Fair Trophy.

"Through the darkest of times they offered hope, and did so with such thoroughness, such calm kindness that it has deeply touched the heart of our community.”

The Bridport Charter Fair is held in celebration of the granting of the town’s first Market Charter by Henry III in 1253, and the reconfirmation of the right to hold a market by Elizabeth I in 1554.

The fair kicks off at 9.30am with a big band performance before Bridport Mayor Ian Bark and town crier John Collingwood, present the trophy, awarded annually for outstanding service to the community.

A further presentation will then be made of the 'Above and Beyond' award. The recipient will be David Powell, former headteacher of St Mary's Middle School and Burton Bradstock Primary School, for his work with young people in the area supporting and developing the local music scene and for his untiring and successful efforts to promote rights respecting principles within the community.

There will be musical performances in Bucky Doo Square throughout the day, including female duo Shiraz, Rough Assembly (previously known as Tinker’s Cuss), young singer-songwriter Chloe Rainey, and the Phoenix Youth Band.

In the Arts Centre auditorium local organisations will be providing information and a selection of goodies until 2pm.

In addition to this, further entertainment will be provided on stage by Dan Shakell with his saxophone and Sue Smith on the piano, the Bridport Choral Society, Mitch Norman and Trumbonium.