Honda has been approached by the government about whether its Swindon plant could be used to make ventilators.

The devices would be used to help the NHS look after patients who may have the coronavirus.

A spokesman for the car manufacturer said: "We have been contacted by government about the feasibility of Honda supporting the manufacture of additional ventilators.”

It is understood that the government has contacted other engineering firms and vehicle manufacturers to see if their production lines could be used to build medical equipment.