A temporary mobile testing centre operated in west Cumbria at the weekend.

The Covid-19 mobile testing unit was opened at Keswick’s former Pencil Factory site.

It was operated by military personnel and available for pre-booked coronavirus tests between May 22 and 24.

This was one of many operated by the British Army, across the country, as part of the national effort to support the Department of Health and Social Care.

It was based at the former Pencil Factory site, which is owned by Keswick Ministries.

The organisation runs the annual Keswick Convention.

Murray Lawrie, facilities manager at Keswick Ministries, said: “We are pleased that the site has been used as a testing station at this time.

"We’d like to thank the management of the Pencil Museum who have also supported these measures.”

Mobile testing units have an integrated one-way system that allows those with an appointment to attend for either walk-in or drive through testing.

The self-test involves taking a swab sample from the back of the throat and inside of the nose.

The eligibility criteria for tests has been extended to include:

n Anyone aged five-years-old and over with symptoms

n Any essential worker with symptoms

n Members of the household of essential workers who are symptomatic

More guidance can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-gettingtested#who-can-be-tested

Essential workers are given priority.

For tests to be effective you must be symptomatic.

More on the symptoms of Covid-19 can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-havecoronavirus-symptoms/