The number of new COVID cases in Britain has fallen for the third day in a row, according to government data.

The country has recorded 36,389 new cases and 64 more coronavirus-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period.

The number of infections is down by more than 15,000 compared with this time last week, when 51,870 were reported along with 49 deaths.

On Thursday , 39,906 infections and 84 fatalities were announced.

It comes as seven local authorities across Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham, and five local authorities in the Tees Valley, are getting extra COVID support from the government under a five-week package of measures, including more testing and helping to "maximise" vaccine uptake.

The Department of Health and Social Care said: "The decision is based on the latest data and local insights and will provide targeted additional support to try and slow the growth of COVID-19 variants in the region, whilst also carefully monitoring NHS pressures and the number of cases and deaths."

It added: "The support package includes the option to deliver extra testing in these targeted areas, the provision of logistical support to maximise vaccine and testing uptake, and further help for local public health campaigns."

(With input from agencies)