THREE new rapid coronavirus testing centres have opened in an East Lancashire borough.

The sites in Burnley are aimed at protecting essential workers and other staff who cannot work from home.

They will all use SMART pregnancy-style lateral flow testing stations which give results in around 30 mins.

The are at Burnley Boys' and Girls' Club in Barden Lane, Gannow Community Centre in Adamson Street and at the town's Central Methodist Church in Hargreaves Street.

The testing stations operate on a walk-in basis with no need for an appointment

The Burnley Boys' and Girls' Club centre is open from 9am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday and the Gannow Community Centre equivalent from Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.

The Central Methodist Church testing site is open on Wednesdays from 9am to 4pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 3pm.

A Burnley Council spokesman said: "Test results are available within around half an hour but there is no need to wait, the results will be sent to your phone.

"Lateral flow tests are only available to those workers who cannot work from home.

"Anyone presenting for test will be asked to confirm their need to attend the workplace such as a letter from their employer.

"The tests are for people without symptoms and should be repeated every three to five days to quickly identify and isolate those who may not know they are infectious.

"Anyone with symptoms (a high temperature; a new continuous cough;or a change to, your sense of smell or taste) should book a test online."

He added: "If the test result comes back positive then you must self-isolate for 10 days and follow Government guidelines."