More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A Kent race circuit has been turned into a makeshift testing centre as hauliers continue their long wait to cross the Channel.
Staff at Lydden Hill have given up their Christmas to help the Army run the drive-through facility in the venue's paddock.
The track - which is less than 10 miles from the Port of Dover - is best known as the home of rallycross but is now being used by drivers left stranded in the county since the French travel ban was introduced on Sunday.
Located just off the A2 between Canterbury and Dover, any vehicle destined for Europe and weighing under 7.5 tonnes can use the temporary site.
Lydden manager Hannah Rynston says staff have been pleased to help the drivers, who can access free food and drink as well as shower facilities at the circuit.
"We haven't had any positive tests so that's a good sign," she said.
"The Army is waiting here with a load of tests and once the driver gets given the green light, they are then escorted to the port or the Eurotunnel, whichever one they have tickets for."
The French government lifted the 48-hour travel ban on Tuesday evening but drivers need to have received a negative test result less than 72 hours before departure.
Miss Rynston - who has worked at the circuit for seven years - says all of the arrivals have been "so grateful" to receive their test.
The Dover resident added: "They all want to have a go around the circuit, but we can't do that!
"When you see them looking so happy, it makes it all worthwhile.
"Our location is brilliant and we have loads of space here - you can easily socially distance."
It is not yet known how long the Lydden testing facility will remain open, but drivers will be able to access the site again tomorrow.
The Transport Secretary has confirmed more than 10,000 coronavirus tests have now been carried out on lorry drivers stranded in Kent, with only 24 hauliers testing positive.
The Ministry of Defence says 1,100 military personnel have been drafted in to get them home, joining 30 French firefighters and 60 Polish soldiers.
Earlier this month, Liam Doran - son of Lydden owner Pat - scored two British Rallycross wins when the track hosted its first-ever floodlit meeting.
