The council has announced it is assisting schools across Cheshire East in getting the mass testing of students in place for their delayed return in the new year.

Secondary school and college students will be making a phased return after the Christmas holidays to get the testing program in place.

Pupils taking exams this year will return on 11 January and others will return a week later on 18 January.

Cllr Kathryn Flavell, cabinet member for children and families said: "Ensuring the safety of our children and young people is our top priority. These changes have been put in place because the infection rate is particularly high in secondary age children.

"Our education and public health teams are working with schools and colleges to prepare for mass testing of pupils and staff and to provide remote learning where required."

She then went onto praise teachers and school staff for "adapting throughout the pandemic".