DOCTORS in part of the region are claiming this winter's uptake of flu vaccine is one of the highest in the country.

Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust, in North Yorkshire, is in the top four out of the 297 primary care trusts in the country which have reported their results so far.

The trust said a record 76.1 per cent of people aged 65 or over were vaccinated, compared to 74.5 per cent last year and a national target of 70 per cent.

Dr Phil Kirby, director of public health at the trust, said "We are absolutely delighted with the uptake in our area, which is among the highest in the country.

"These excellent figures are the result of the hard work and dedication of our colleagues in general practice, especially practice nurses, as well as our pharmaceutical advisor. We are grateful for their efforts."

Ken Latta, trust pharmaceutical advisor, said: "Getting the free flu jab is something which is becoming a regular part of most older peoples' routines once autumn comes along.

"This is excellent news because, sooner or later, we will have a major flu epidemic in this country, and the more people who get vaccinated, the greater the number of lives which will be saved."