A SECOND Darwen rapid coronavirus test centre has opened.

It is based at Work at Over Darwen House in Railway Road.

The centre is the latest extension to Blackburn with Darwen Council’s SMART testing programme.

The opening times of the SMART testing hub at Ewood Park will change from Monday to 8am to3pm on weekdays.

Rapid testing hubs also at King George’s Hall, Blackburn (open from 10am to 5.30pm Mondays to Fridays) and Earcroft Children’s Centre, Monton Road, Darwen (open from 9.30amto 3.30pm Mondays to Fridays).

Lateral flow testing at all of the SMART hubs is targeted at residents without symptoms who have to leave home to work during the lockdown.

With infection rates remaining high those living in the vicinity of the hubs are encouraged to attend.

Pre-booking isn’t required and visitors can walk in and give a mobile number or email address to register.

Cllr Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Our SMART testing programme gives easy access to those without symptoms having to leave home for work as well as those living in the targeted areas with higher levels of infection.

"We know increased testing together with the vaccination roll-out remains one of the ‘key weapons’ in the battle against the virus."