Chippenham MP Michele Donelan has urged anyone who feels they will struggle with their mental health in the latest lockdown to get in touch.

"I am acutely aware of the impact of the restrictions on mental health and I want to say to anyone reading this who is struggling, please reach out as there is help and I would be only too happy to find it for you," she said.

"I know from all my correspondence over the last 9 months how heart breaking it has already been for businesses, individuals and families across the Chippenham constituency. So many sacrifices have already been made but our hospitals are now under more pressure from COVID that at any other time since the beginning of the pandemic.

"In England, the number of COVID patients in hospitals has increased by nearly a third in the past week, to nearly 27,000. 40 percent higher than the first peak in April and we must take action to prevent the NHS being completely overwhelmed.

"I remain available to help anyone navigate the new restrictions and I welcome news from the chancellor on a further package of financial assistance."

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are to be given a one-off grant worth up to £9,000, with the measure costing £4bn across the UK.