Nearly one hundred positive Covid-19 cases have now been linked to four schools in Leek.

A total of 44 of these cases have now been confirmed as the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC), with more cases expected to follow when genotyping has been completed.

The cases follow a push on testing in Leek after cases linked to Westwood College, Leek High School, St Edwards Middle School and most recently Westwood First School were identified to be the Delta variant.

Testing is continuing in the town all week at Newton House (Leek Britannia HQ) and JCB in Cheadle, in an effort to discover more cases and stop the spread of the virus. People wanting a test can visit the county council's website for more information.

Vaccinations are also being offered to anyone over 18 who lives in Leek, or attends or works in any Leek school, in order to curb the spread. Appointments at the pop-up clinic can be booked online or by calling 01785 898844.

Dr Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said: "As expected we are seeing more cases of this variant appearing in Leek, which is why it is more important that ever for people to get tested and get vaccinated if there are eligible. We can't drop our guard now.

"The key to stopping this virus in its tracks is identifying cases, and tracking and isolating any contacts. The Delta variant is 40% more transmissible than the Kent variant, which has been the dominant variant of Covid-19 in the country so far, so identifying cases early is crucial."

Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Support Member for Public Health said: "Local schools and the local community have been really supportive of the measures we are putting in place so far. It's important that we keep going, keep getting tested and taking up the offer of a vaccine if we are to drive down cases in Leek."