PART of the Swindon borough has successfully suppressed the coronavirus outbreak.

Highworth saw fewer than three new cases confirmed in the week up to February 4 and then continued to stay at that low level over the following day.

This means that it appears white on the government’s Covid map and the virus is currently categorised as ‘suppressed’ in that area.

Richard Williams lives in the town. He said: "I think this is great news, and the first bit of good news I've heard in a while.

"I'm not sure what we are doing that makes the difference compared to everywhere else, though whenever I'm out walking, everyone I see is wearing masks and keeping a safe distance so maybe we're better at following the advice.

"Hopefully this is the start of getting the virus under control and I hope the case numbers continue to stay a low level here."

The hilltop town stands out among the rest of the borough, though Royal Wootton Bassett Town is close to joining it with just four new cases confirmed in the seven days up to February 5, and there were just six in Moredon during that period.

On the other end of the scale, Central Swindon North saw 31 new cases confirmed and Royal Wootton Bassett Outer and Lyneham had 23 new positive test results recorded.

Swindon Borough Council’s director of public health Steve Maddern said: “It is very encouraging to see the data for Highworth reporting fewer than three cases across the past seven days up to February 4 and low case numbers since.

“This is one of the first areas in Swindon to see such low numbers and is testimony to Highworth’s residents who are clearly following the key government advice to protect themselves and the broader community.

“This supports the wider reduction in cases we’ve seen across Swindon since January 8, when we reported 1,427 cases.

"As of February 10, 318 cases were reported over the past seven days across the borough.

"I would encourage everyone to continue to follow the ‘Hands, Face, Space and Ventilate’ guidance so we see other areas in Swindon following Highworth’s lead.”

Other parts of Wiltshire have similarly managed to keep the virus at bay for now. At time of writing, Kemble & South Cerney, Bowerhill, Atworth & Whitley, and Dilton Marsh & Bratton all recorded fewer than three cases in the seven days to February 5.