A facility opens five miles from Ashby on Monday as part of a programme to provide the county's key workers with rapid community testing for Covid-19.

Testing is already underway six days a week in Wigston Fields and Blaby, and on February 1, a testing centre will open at Swannington Village Hall.

Sites have also been approved in both Melton Mowbray (Polish Centre) and Loughborough (Gorse Covert Centre), and it is hoped that they will be open later next week.

Further sites in the Hinckley and Bosworth and Harborough districts are being considered and if approved, will open as soon as possible.

One in three people who have coronavirus show no symptoms, and rapid lateral flow testing, led by the council's public health team, can help to quickly identify individuals and stop the spread of infection.

Rapid testing is ONLY for those who are eligible, who do not have symptoms and are not already isolating – if you do have symptoms, or you have been told to self isolate, then you should not attend.

It is open to key workers and anyone else in the county who cannot currently work from home.

Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: "Our programme of rapid testing for key workers is running smoothly and we are pleased with the speed with which we are managing to roll it out across the county.

"Our key workers have supported our communities throughout the pandemic and rapid testing will help protect them and their customers and colleagues by identifying cases and stopping further spread of coronavirus."

The lateral flow tests are self-administered at an approved test site – and you can leave the site straight after you have taken your swab.

Results will be sent out by text or email by the end of that day. Sites will be open 6 days each week.

Anyone who currently cannot work from home and is eligible, will be able to book a test HERE.

Residents are reminded that if they have Covid symptoms they will need to isolate immediately and book an NHS test at nhs.uk or by calling 119.