The number of GPs has fallen since the NHS launched a "rescue package" to tackle crisis shortages of family doctors, official figures show.

Ministers have repeatedly pledged to bring in 5,000 more GPs, in response to a growing crisis, which has led to record numbers of practices closures across the country.

A year ago, health officials drew up a five-year plan, pledging to put general practice “back on its feet” by recruiting doctors from abroad, offering £20,000 incentives for trainees and bringing in extra support staff.

The initiative- boosting funding by £2.4bn a year by 2020 - came amid concern about lengthening waiting times, and a shortfall of GPs across the country.

But the new figures, published by NHS Digital, show a drop of 542 GPs since the plan was published last April.