People used a drive-through coronavirus testing facility in Oxford for the first time today.

The test facility opened at Oxford’s Thornhill Park and Ride and is part of the Government’s efforts to increase the ability to test more NHS frontline staff and other key workers with an ambitious target of 100,000 a day by the end of the month.

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It is operating on an appointment-only basis.

Last week it was announced that the facility would also test police, fire service, frontline benefits workers and those working with vulnerable children and adults too.

It follows the launch of the Government’s partnership with universities, research institutes and companies to begin rollout of a network of new labs and field testing sites across the UK, with 28 regional testing sites opened to date.

There had been criticism care workers in Oxford were being advised by the Care Quality Commission to go to Twickenham as the nearest regional site for testing.

Liam Walker, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet member for highway delivery and operations, said the council is working closely with the Department for Health and Social Care and is 'proud to be doing its part during this unprecedented time'.