Cheshire West and Chester will be moving to the Tier 3, 'very high', level of Coronavirus restrictions on Boxing Day, the health secretary has announced.

The increased restrictions mean that all hospitality businesses will be forced to close or be restricted to takeaway services only.

Matt Hancock made the announcement at a Downing Street briefing in which he expressed fears over the rapid spread of the new variant of the virus.

He said: "Just as we have got a tiered system in place, we have discovered a new more contagious virus, a variant which is spreading at a dangerous rate."

Other areas have been escalated to the highest level of restrictions in Tier 4, joining London and swathes of the south east.

The following rules apply in Tier 3

• households cannot mix indoors or outdoors in private gardens or hospitality venues.

• the 'Rule of Six' applies outdoors in public spaces.

• pubs and restaurants are closed except for takeaway and delivery.

• indoor entertainment venues are closed, only drive-in events allowed.

• residents are advised against travelling outside the area

• schools will remain open.

• weddings and Civil Ceremonies allow 15 guests, but receptions not allowed

• up to 30 people are allowed at funerals.

• outdoor sport can continue; indoor sport is only permissible with members of one household.