Youth MPs are reminding people to use the free, regular, rapid ‘Test and Go’ facilities.

People are asked to use rapid testing before meeting up with friends, family and visiting the shops, hairdressers or restaurants and pubs.

Youth MP for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Mohammed Bapu said: "I am looking forward to going to play football with my friends this weekend but before I go I'm going to ensure I test and go with a rapid Covid-19 test to ensure that I am keeping myself and my friends safe.

"I get tested regularly at schools, its extremely quick and easy.

"Please remember to test and go."

The call on rapid testing comes alongside the current push on PCR surge testing happening in specific postcodes around the borough as infection rates have risen dramatically in Blackburn with Darwen.

Deputy Youth MP Zainab Dassu said: "I'm looking forward to meeting my friends at the cinema again.

"I'm taking a test before I go to protect me and my friends from the virus."

From Saturday 5th June – Friday 25th June, the Blackburn town centre and Darwen town centre sites will operate:

- King George’s Hall, Blackburn: 8am – 5pm (Mon to Sat).

- Work at Over Darwen House, BB3 2RG: 8am – 5pm (Mon to Fri).

- The rapid testing site at Ewood Park remains open 8am – 3pm, Mon to Fri.

Rapid tests can also be sources online via the national delivery service, through community collect at any of the borough’s rapid or symptomatic test centres and through participating local pharmacies.