SURGE testing is being carried out in parts of the neighbouring county of Berkshire after cases of the Delta variant of coronavirus were identified.

A two-week community testing programme will begin on Monday to target postcodes in the Reading and Wokingham areas, after cases of the previously named Indian variant doubled in a week, according to the WHO.

Those aged over 12 who live, work, or go to school in the postcode areas identified are asked to have a Covid-19 test.

The postcode areas being targeted are RG1 3, RG1 5, RG1 6, and RG1 7 in Reading.

In Wokingham the areas being targeted are Bulmershe and Whitegates, Evendons, Norreys, and Westcott.

In Reading, latest figures up to May 30 showed Covid-19 infection rates were 92.7 per 100,000 people, which was an increase from 43.9 per 100,000 people the previous week.

The Delta variant of coronavirus, first identified in India, is now the dominant strain in the UK, Public Health England (PHE) has said.