South Gloucestershire has recorded the 2nd highest rate of coronavirus cases in the South West despite new infections declining by 15 per cent.

In the seven days ending on February 11, Public Health England reported 158 cases per 100,000 people in the area – a drop of 28 cases from the week before.

Only one area in the South West has a higher rate of coronavirus infections: Bristol, with 164 per 100,000.

Tewkesbury has the lowest case rate, reporting only 53 per 100,000 people, and further up the table Gloucester has made huge progress cutting their figures by almost 50 per cent.

The news comes as GPs start inviting the next priority groups to arrange their vaccinations - over 65s and 16-64 year-olds with underlying health conditions.