LOCAL lockdown restrictions set to come into parts of the North-East including in County Durham WILL NOT apply to Darlington, the town's MP has confirmed.

Darlington MP Peter Gibson made the announcement late last night as he confirmed planned restrictions will not affect the town or the Tees Valley.

LIVE UPDATES: North-East Covid-19 lockdown:details to be announced today

It comes amidst initial confusion from those concerned Darlington would be included in restrictions in County Durham.

In a statement online, Mr Gibson said: "You may have seen it reported tonight that large parts of the North East are set to enter a local lockdown. This does not apply to the Tees Valley.

"It is however a reminder of the stakes we are playing for here. We all want to avoid further restrictions on our lives this autumn. Let’s keep looking after ourselves and others. If we do that, the Tees Valley can stay exempt: Wash Hands, Cover Face, Make Space."

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This is why Darlington is not affected

Throughout the pandemic, every Covid-19 update has been broken down by local authority area.

As cases have been rising in County Durham, Durham County Council is among the seven North-East councils that have asked for lockdown restrictions to help control the spread of the virus.

Durham County Council do not have control over restrictions in Darlington as it has its own local authority, Darlington Borough Council

LIVE UPDATES: North-East Covid-19 lockdown:details to be announced today