An analysis of new data by the News & Star has revealed that Carlisle, South Lakeland and Barrow-in-Furness have some of the highest rates of death from coronavirus across the country, with one district in the top five worst affected areas.

Carlisle has the 28th highest number of Covid-19 deaths out of more than 330 districts across England and Wales, with just over 100 deaths from Covid-19 per 100,000 people.

This places the city above a number of London's boroughs, Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield.

Barrow fares worse than Carlisle, with more than 107 deaths per 100,000 people, making it the 17th-worst affected area in the country, just ahead of Sunderland and Solihull.

Most frightening are the figures for South Lakeland, which up to March 15 has experienced 128 deaths per 100,000 people, meaning the district has seen the fourth-highest death rate from Covid-19 in all of England and Wales.

This analysis is based on new data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which is now releasing updates on the numbers of Covid-19 deaths at district level.

Hertsmere in Hertfordshire, encompassing towns like Borehamwood and Bushey, has seen the highest death rate, with 158 deaths per 100,000 people.

Copeland, Eden and Allerdale have all experienced roughly average rates of death from Covid-19.

Hastings on the south east coast of England has experienced the lowest death rate, with only seven deaths per 100,000 people - apart from the Isles of Scilly, which is the only district in England or Wales to have not experienced any Covid-19 deaths,

The ONS data is taken from official death registrations in which Covid-19 was mentioned as a cause of death.

The most recent day for which the ONS has data for is Friday May 15, meaning the most recent fortnight is not accounted for in the data.