DARLINGTON has now carried out more than 20,000 Covid tests for people not showing symptoms – more than anywhere else in the country.

The town was one of the first to roll out a community testing system in December and as of today, has carried out 20,072 tests.

There are now six testing sites, including The Dolphin Centre, he Head of Steam railway museum, as well as community centres in Firthmoor, Red Hall, Heighington and Middleton St George.

Cllr Kevin Nicholson said: “I’m delighted that over 20,000 tests have been competed by Darlington Borough Council as part of our community testing scheme’

“Darlington’s community testing programme is leading the way not only in the North-East, but in the UK, our efforts are helping to interrupt community transmission of Covid-19 and are helping to protect communities right across Darlington.

“Up to a third of people who have coronavirus display no symptoms, the purpose of community testing is to find people who could be infecting others without even knowing it. We are confident, that if we all play our part, the community testing scheme will deliver success for Darlington.”

The tests, which are free, are only available for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms. Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate for 10 days.

Appointments must be booked in advance by visiting https://www.darlington.gov.uk/testing.