A DOWNTON Abbey star who is volunteering at a vaccination hub says he is the first human contact some patients have had for months.

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Lord Grantham in the popular ITV series, has been welcoming surprised residents on their way to get the Covid-19 vaccine at the Midhurst pharmacy vaccination centre.

The 57-year-old, who sports a cowboy hat and high visibility jacket as he guides patients into the centre as a regular volunteer marshal, said it is the first time some people have left their home since the pandemic hit.

He told the BBC: “For some people it’s the first time they’ve been out of their house in a year.

“We’ve had people who’ve really been grateful for the outing as much as anything and this sense of a glimmer of hope, so it’s great to be part of this team effort.”

Part of the actor's role as a vaccine marshal is to help reassure and relax people who have not socialised in months - in particular elderly residents who are nervous about coming into contact with others for the first time.

Mr Bonneville is among about 80 people who have signed up to volunteer at the site.

He added: "Obviously only a fraction of those have been used, but you notice everybody is gearing up."

Writing on social media, the actor has described his delight to be part of the support team and said: “I get to wear a high viz and everything. Jabtastic”.

The Paddington star, who lives in Hampshire, has also shared a photo of himself getting the AstraZeneca jab, wearing his volunteer t-shirt and giving the thumbs up.

He joins other famous faces in receiving the vaccine, including Sir Ian McKellen and Joan Collins.