A new vaccine centre in Basingstoke is the cream of the crop after giving Alan Titchmarsh his Covid vaccine.

The TV gardener and broadcaster was one of the first to be vaccinated at Basingstoke Fire Station, which opened today.

His vaccine was given by firefighter Ross Turner, who is one of the many volunteering to give the jab.

Basingstoke Fire Station was announced as a vaccine hub in January, with the station adapted to provide vaccinations to the public while also continuing to operate as an emergency services’ facility.

It opened today, February 1, and will be operating seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.

Firefighters were trained to vaccinate the public as part of the preparations for the opening, as well as how to support NHS staff.

Keith Jones, Basingstoke Station Manager, said: “We are delighted that we are able to support the vaccine rollout here at Basingstoke Fire Station and play our part in protecting our local community from COVID-19.

“Our firefighters are adjusting our way of working as we prepare the site to fulfil the requirements of a vaccination centre.

“A lot of work has been undertaken with our health partners and across the entire organisation to reach this point and ensure that the fire service continues to make life safer.”

Alan Titchmarsh was vaccinated today alongside many other Hampshire residents, including 74-year-old Shelagh Cowling, who was one of the first to be given the jab.

Titchmarsh first came to public attention in the 1980s, when he appeared on programmes such as Nationwide as their gardening expert. Since then, he has gone on to present shows in his own right, including Ground Force, Gardeners’ World and Love Your Garden.

He has also branched out into non-gardening shows, including Pebble Mill, Popstar to Operastar and Masterpiece.

For his work, he was awarded an MBE in 2000 for services to horticulture and broadcasting, and is a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire, as well as the chancellor of the University of Winchester.