A Kent council has appealed to fans to get tested for coronavirus before gathering to watch football matches.

As new cases of Covid-19 surge, Maidstone council is urging anyone planning to watch the next UEFA Euro games in groups to get tested to stop the spread.

Over the past seven days there has been a 49% increase in cases from the previous week with 60% of those in people aged under 29.

The increase is being driven by outbreaks in schools and football fans meeting to watch televised matches in bars and pubs.

Council leader Cllr David Burton said: “We are encouraging as many people as possible to take a test and then self-isolate if it comes back as positive to help slow down this worrying increase in Maidstone.

“As it is so very closely linked with groups getting together in pubs to watch the football we are urging anyone planning on watching the game in a public place to take a test beforehand.

“We are not trying to spoil people’s enjoyment. Have fun but don’t put yourself and others at risk.

“We need to continue to protect the elderly and vulnerable as we have seen a 21% increase in cases in the borough in people over-60 which is a real concern."

Testing is available at Sessions House in the town centre this weekend ahead of the England game on Saturday. Self-test kits for home use can also be picked up at pharmacists.

The council has reminded people to check into venues using the QR code or by registering at the premises.

Anyone with symptoms of Covid - high temperature, new cough and a loss of smell or taste - should arrange for a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test as soon as possible by clicking here, or calling 119.

Testing is available at Sessions House, Maidstone, ME14 1XQ, seven days a week from 9am to 2pm with late nights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays to 7pm.

Almost 1,300 Scots tested positive for coronavirus after travelling to London to watch the England v Scotland Euro 2020 match at Wembley on June 18, said Public Health Scotland (PHS).

Health bosses are also bracing themselves for a surge in cases after English and German fans packed Wembley Stadium for Tuesday night's clash.

According to the latest figures, Canterbury is now Kent's hotspot followed by Maidstone and then Tonbridge and Malling.

Pubs and clubs across the county have been doing a roaring trade. Fans also gathered at Dreamland, Margate, to watch matches on a big screen.

England will play Ukraine on Saturday at 8pm in the quarter-finals. Other matches are this evening at 5pm between Switzerland and Spain, 8pm between Belgium and Italy and 5pm tomorrow (Saturday) between the Czech Republic and Denmark.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is still poised to end Covid restrictions in England on July 19.

To find out where to watch England's European Championship games on big screens in Kent, click here.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone