Captain Sir Tom Moore has been taken into hospital after being diagnosed with coronavirus.

His daughter Hannah posted a statement on social media about the 100-year-old charity fundraiser being taken to Bedford Hospital.

She said: "I wanted to update everybody today (Sunday 31st January) my father was admitted to hospital.

"Over the last few weeks he was being treated for pneumonia and last week tested positive for COVID-19

"He was at home with us until today when he needed additional help with his breathing. He is being treated in a ward, although he is not in ICU.

"The medical care he has received in the last few weeks has been remarkable and we know that the wonderful staff at Bedford Hospital will do all they can to make him comfortable and hopefully return home as soon as possible.

"We understand that everyone will be wishing him well. We are of course focusing on my father and will update you when we are able to, Hannah.”

Capt Sir Tom’s fundraising efforts raised more than £32 million for the NHS, walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday during the first national lockdown in April.

The veteran set out to raise £1,000 from his lockdown charity challenge but his efforts struck a chord with the nation, and praise and donations flooded in.

In acknowledgement of his efforts, he was knighted by the Queen during a unique open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle in summer 2020.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "My thoughts are very much with Captain Tom Moore and his family.

"You’ve inspired the whole nation, and I know we are all wishing you a full recovery."

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also sent a get well soon message, and tweeted: “You’ve been an inspiration to us all throughout this crisis.” Michael Ball, who recorded a charity single with Capt Sir Tom that reached number one, tweeted: “Love and prayers for @captaintommoore and his lovely family as he battles this bastard of a virus. “Stay strong Sir. We are all here for you.”