THE number of recorded coronavirus cases in East Lancashire increased by 44 over the last 24 hours, official figures show.

Blackburn with Darwen recorded by far the highest number of new cases, with 22 people testing positive for COVID-19.

The next highest number came from Pendle, which reported 13 new cases, followed by Burnley with six new cases.

In Hyndburn three new cases were reported alongside one in the Ribble Valley.

Once again, the numbers in Rossendale remained the same with no new cases.

Public Health England figures show that 1,486 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Wednesday (August 5) in Blackburn with Darwen, up from 1,464 the same time on Tuesday.

The health body is now including Pillar 2 tests – those carried out by commercial partners – alongside Pillar 1 tests, which are analysed in NHS or PHE laboratories and which made up the first stage of the Government's mass testing programme.

The rate of infection in Blackburn with Darwen now stands at 992 cases per 100,000 people, far higher than the England average of 470.

Across the UK, the number of recorded cases increased by 891 over the period, to 307,184.

​Blackburn with Darwen's cases were among the 47,157 recorded across the North West, a figure which rose by 251 over the period.

Cumulative case counts include patients who are currently unwell, have recovered and those that have died.