NORTHUMBERLAND'S top health official has issued a warning against complacency after cases spiked in parts of the Tyne Valley.

Both the Haltwhistle and Haydon Bridge areas have seen a sharp increase in cases over the past seven days.

The Haltwhistle ward has seen 40 cases in a week, while the Haydon and Hadrian ward has seen 21 - the highest two figures in Northumberland.

Northumberland County Council's director of public health, Liz Morgan warned further action could be taken.

She said: ""There has been a sharp increase of cases in the Haltwhistle and Haydon Bridge area and we are looking into the possible reasons behind this and considering any further action we need to take.

"It does serve as a reminder this virus has not gone away and can flare up even in our most rural communities.

"There is still no room for complacency and we'd emphasise once again the need to practice good hand hygiene, wear face coverings, maintain social distancing and abide by the current rules. It's also vital that anyone who does have symptoms gets tested as soon as possible."