Two Marsh pubs have been forced to close their doors for deep cleans following positive Covid-19 results.

Immediate action was taken at the Ship Inn in Dymchurch after a member of staff contracted the virus, while the Jolly Fisherman in Greatstone was notified that a customer had tested positive.

Both boozers announced the news on their Facebook pages shortly after the results were known.

The Ship discovered a member of staff had caught the coronavirus on Sunday evening, and a deep clean was carried out to allow the pub to reopen on Monday.

While the worker who tested positive is isolating for 14 days, other members of staff had their tests come back negative.

"We are extremely confident that it is safe to still visit our pub and are also here to answer any questions for those worried," their Facebook statement said.

Further along the coast at the Jolly Fisherman it was discovered that a customer had been confirmed as having the virus.

"The pub is currently being cleaned and will close temporarily," a statement released yesterday said. "We will update you shortly."

Latest government data has revealed Folkestone and Hythe has the fastest-growing coronavirus rate in the UK.

Analysis of statistics released by public health authorities on Monday shows the district has recorded a 185% increase in positive tests over the past week - but the rate is still less than half the national average.

In the summer the Ship Hotel in New Romney also had to close for deep clean after positive Covid-19 test on a customer.

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh