AN area in Bishop Auckland has recorded the most Covid-related deaths in County Durham since the pandemic began, official figures have revealed.

Analysis of Office for National Statistics shows that a total of 1,309 people have died in the county with Covid between March 2020 and February 2021.

In England and Wales, the ONS have been recording deaths where Covid has been mentioned on an individual's death certificate.

Those deaths have either been caused by Covid or where the virus has been deemed a 'contributing factor' in someone's death.

SEE MORE: Every Covid death that was reported in each North-East and North Yorkshire postcode in February

But looking at latest data for County Durham, the Bishop Auckland Central & West ward has seen the most deaths in the county, with a total of 45.

The data shows that the number of deaths reported in this area roughly matched rates across the region, but in June 2020, a spike of 22 deaths were recorded.

Although the highest in County Durham, latest figures showed that the ward had not recorded any new deaths in the entire month of February.

The Bishop Auckland Central & West ward was closely followed by the Shildon ward, a couple of miles away, which has seen a total of 39 deaths.

Shildon recorded a spike in deaths in May, where 13 were recorded over that 31-day period.

The number of deaths in the Stanley South ward was pushed up by a large increase as 24 were recorded in April alone, meaning a total of 38 had been recorded.

On the flip side, four postcode areas in the county recorded the lowest Covid death figures with seven each - 85 per cent fewer than in Bishop Auckland Central & West.

The Gilesgate & Old Durham, Easington & Hawthorn, Tudhoe Grange and Upper Teesdale wards all saw the lowest.

The figures came as the region marked one year since the first national lockdown was ordered by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Paying tribute to those lost in County Durham, Amanda Healy, Durham County Council’s director of public health, this week said: "This has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone across County Durham.

"Our thoughts and condolences go to all those who have lost loved ones.

"As we reflect on the one-year anniversary of the first national lockdown, they remain very much in our memory – it is also a time to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made by everyone across the county in the fight against coronavirus.

"Residents have gone to remarkable lengths to protect themselves, their loved ones and our most vulnerable, and we are truly grateful for the way in which communities have united to support each other through the restrictions.

"I would urge everyone to continue to follow the rules as restrictions slowly ease and continue to look after each other.”