Residents in Bath and North East Somerset are being reminded they can exercise but not socialise in parks and open spaces under government rules on lockdown.

And skateboarders are being told not to use Royal Victoria Park's skate park which is closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Skaters should not use Alice Park either.

The message comes cases of Covid in Bath and North East Somerset continue to rise rapidly and among people of all ages. Latest figures recorded show the rate per 100,00 is 370 compared to 262 seven days ago.

The council is urging people to stay home and to pay attention to the rules which state you can exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

It is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. You cannot leave home for recreational or leisure purposes (such as for a picnic or a social meeting).

Councillor Dine Romero, council leader, said: "While it is important that we get our daily exercise it does not mean we can go out to socialise. Our parks are valuable spaces and good for our health but they should not become spaces for transmitting this terrible disease. Our message is exercise but don't socialise.

"We have all seen the very stark messages from Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer, about the severe pressure the NHS is under. We are appealing locally to you to please follow the stay home rules. By doing so you will be helping to save lives."