Good afternoon,

The majority of people will have woken up this morning to the news the government has taken the strident measure of banning groups of more than six people gathering from Monday in a bid to combat the Covid-19 spikes.

The announcement was made last night, on a day which we revealed Preston has now registered the highest rate of  infections since lockdown restrictions began and there was discussion nationally of overloading at the labs processing tests. 

Health Minister Matt Hancock has now refused to rule out a second lockdown. 

For all the latest follow our live blog, we will be updating it all day.

In other news, the heartbroken family of a man killed in a tragic motorbike accident have paid tribute to a loved-one who 'wore his heart on his sleeve'.

From the courts, a man targeted two young girls via Snapchat and encouraged them to send him lewd pictures.

Meanwhile, Preston North End is under pressure to donate a plot of land intended for a training ground to the community after it emerged last week it had purchased Wigan Athletic's training facility in Euxton.

And a new food business in Longridge is creating a 'Mighty Joel Burger' in remembrance of the youngster who died aged 11.

Enjoy your Wednesday and don't forget to check out all columnists and reviewers in the opinion section.

Regards, Nicola

Nicola Adam, deputy editor, Lancashire Post

You can email me at [email protected]

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