A leading Hampshire GP is urging parents and carers to get their children vaccinated against flu.

This follows an offer for a free nasal spray flu vaccine for all children aged two and three.

Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and vaccination lead for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: "We know children are pretty resilient when they become unwell and can bounce back after a week or so of feeling ill.

"However, having the vaccination protects your child against flu and serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which can develop from it."

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The vaccine, which is given as a nasal spray rather than an injection, is said to be painless.

Dr Nisbet described it as "two quick squirts up their nostril, which is described as a tickle up the nose".

From this month, parents or carers of children aged two and three should receive an invitation from their GP practice to book the vaccination.

All children up to the age of 16 are eligible for the free vaccine.

School-age children will be offered the vaccine via their school, with parental consent required.

An injectable version is available for children for whom the nasal spray may not be suitable.

More information about the vaccination programmes can be found on the Wessex Healthier Together website.