THE UK saw its first local lockdown this week following a spike in the number of coronavirus infections.

Shops and schools in Leicester were told they must close their doors just days after the nationwide lockdown was gradually eased.

This raised concerns that further local lockdowns could be imposed as the number of Covid-19 cases appeared to rise once more.

But Public Health England have released new data, which gives a more detailed and accurate view of how the region is dealing with Covid-19.

The figures show the rate of new cases in each area, based on tests carried out in laboratories, ('pillar 1' of the government's testing programme) and in the wider community ('pillar 2').

These new figures gives a more comprehensive overview of the country as daily figures for local areas, previously released, are based on only pillar 1 testing.

It shows the coronavirus infection rate in the North-East and North Yorkshire is significantly lower than in other parts of the UK.

But it does show where in the region could be at highest risk from entering a local lockdown, if the number of cases soared.

Leicester, which has the UKs highest Covid-19 infection rate - for the week ending June 21 - stands at 140.2 cases per 100,000 people.

But Stockton, which has the region's highest Covid-19 infection rate - over the same time period - stands at 14.7 cases per 100,000 people.

Here is the full list, showing the number of cases per 100,000:

Stockton-on-Tees 14.7

North Yorkshire 13.8

York 6.7

Newcastle upon Tyne 5.3

County Durham 5.1

North Tyneside 4.9

Darlington 4.7

Hartlepool 4.3

Gateshead 3.5

Northumberland 3.4

Sunderland 1.8

Redcar & Cleveland 0.7

South Tyneside 0.0