Hundreds of asylum seekers onboard the Bibby Stockholm have already been moved ahead of its closure, says a group supporting the barge's residents.

A spokesperson for the Portland Global Friendship Group says they understand that the number of asylum seekers aboard the barge, which is at Portland Port, has shrunk from around 400 people to around 100.

This comes after the Home Office announced it was not going to renew its contract with the Bibby Stockholm when it ended in January.

This decision was met with relief by local leaders, campaigners and the public.

Giovanna Lewis of the Portland Global Friendship Group said: "Things are moving a lot quicker than they were. It is the same process, but more quickly.

"The men get their interview and then they are moved off the barge soon after and sent all around the country.

"From what we have seen the dispersal is happening all over the country, not just one place."

Giovanna says that the group is not aware of any asylum seekers being placed in Dorset, and is expecting the barge to be emptied by the end of November.

Dorset Council has previously said that none of the asylum seekers housed on the Bibby Stockholm will be moved to Portland, Weymouth or the wider Dorset Council area.

Extending the use of the Bibby Stockholm would have cost more than £20 million next year.

The barge will continue to be used until January 2025, but there will be no continuation of the contract beyond that.