Following Health Secretary Matt Hancock's announcement of mass testing for coronavirus in secondary schools, 12 mobile units will arrive in Kent by Monday.

It comes as the government says students in the county, as well as part of London and Essex, need to be tested to combat a "rapid increase" in cases.

The Department for Health and Social Care has confirmed there will be two mobile testing units at schools in Kent today, with a further 10 by the weekend.

Hundreds of thousands of tests will be offered to schoolchildren as the government looks to drive down the number of infections by identifying cases in children with no symptoms.

The DHSC has said the fastest rate of rising cases in Kent, London and Essex is in those aged between 11 and 18.

Mr Hancock said: “We want to keep schools and colleges open, because it is right both for education and public health, but in the face of rapidly rising cases we must act to target rising rates in secondary school pupils.

"While Covid-19 may be lower risk to children and young people, it still poses a significant risk to their families and communities."

“I urge every student, parent and teacher in these areas to step forward for testing - irrespective of whether they have symptoms.

"While Covid-19 may be lower risk to children and young people, it still poses a significant risk to their families and communities. By taking these vital steps, we can get on top of cases and help bring transmission of this virus under control now.”

Latest figures from the ONS showed almost one in three people in England show no symptoms of having the virus but are still able to pass it on and its thought large-scale testing will help identify asymptomatic cases which will help drive down infection rates and "break the chain of transmission".

Schools and colleges will be provided with information on how to get involved and parents or carers will be able to apply for tests online.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson added: "This additional testing capacity underlines this government’s commitment to ensuring that education is a national priority, because that is in the best interests of students’ progress, development and wellbeing.

“I would encourage everyone eligible to access the testing and I’d like to thank staff for continuing to ensure that schools and colleges have protective measures in place to reduce the risk of transmission."

Children under the age of 16 will need to be accompanied to a testing unit by a parent or guardian.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent