Ibsrock and Ellistown has emerged in the latest list of Leicestershire Covid hotspots.

The most recent verified data, relating to the period of December 3 – 9, show the places where the most new cases were cropping up.

There are 20 areas that have all had 21 or more cases confirmed in the timeframe.

One of them is the area covering Ibstock and Ellistown which has recorded 22 cases.

The data is broken down into areas with an average population of 7,000 people, known as Medium Super Output Areas (MSOAs).

Some areas appear for the first time including Waltham, Wymondham & Great Dalby which had 38 cases confirmed in the timeframe. The numbers could include an outbreak at a workplace or individual setting like a care home or could be down to community transmission.

Figures are notably higher than the last update, when Wigston North topped the list with just 34 cases.

The latest data shows it was South Wigston with the most confirmed cases, with 66 confirmed.

The rise in cases over the last seven days was in part to blame for Leicestershire remaining in Tier 3 when the government reviewed local Covid restrictions yesterday.

The information provides health bosses with a better idea of coronavirus problem areas than the district and borough-wide breakdowns.

Leicestershire County Council will start rapid testing in the new year – with hotspots cited as some of the places that could be targeted by teams with the fast result tests.

The full list is:

South Wigston – 66

Waltham, Wymondham & Great Dalby – 38

Mountsorrel & Rothley – 36

Oadby North & East – 32

Narborough – 28

Market Harborough South & LittleBowden – 25

Glenfield – 25

Wigston North – 25

Thurmaston – 25

Kirby Muxloe & Thurlaston – 24

Wigston Harcourt & Little Hill – 23

Melton Mowbray North – 23

Enderby & Glen Parva – 23

Loughborough Lemyngton & Hastings – 22

Ibstock & Ellistown – 22

Braunstone Town – 21

Bottesford, Harby & Croxton Kerrial – 21

Countesthorpe & Kilby – 20

Broughton Astley – 20

Wigston Town – 19