A Grantham area MP says we must "hold our nerve" to save lives over the months ahead.

The comments from Dr Caroline Johnson come as the government today will reveal which tiers of lockdown parts of the country will be in.

They follow Lincolnshire leaders yesterday demanding the government not treat Lincolnshire as a single entity, citing how the large county has vastly different infection rates across it.

Dr Johnson, whose Sleaford and North Hykeham constituency covers parts of Grantham and then northwards, made her plea on the Conservative Home website today.

The MP said she shared the concerns of other MPs noting the impact of lockdown on constituents and businesses, but claimed the previous tiers were not strong enough to reduce the R rate below 1.

"Therefore it is right that the tiers have had to be toughened in some ways as we head into colder winter months, so that we can protect the NHS and save lives.

"While it is completely understandable that people want to avoid the toughest restrictions if possible, adherence to these tiers is how we will avoid another national lockdown and the only way we will get through the tough winter months that still lie ahead."

Mrs Johnson continued: "As sorely tempting as it is to get back to some normality of life, especially over the festive season, whether that be heading to the pub or meeting friends and family, it would be wrong to risk lives and overwhelming the NHS when the real prospect of ending restrictions with vaccines and mass testing is now within reach."

The government, she also said had also learnt from the previous tiered system, by allowing pubs to stay open later and for gyms and non-essential retail to re-open.

"And as before, the Government will continue to provide financial support to areas, including cash grants for closed businesses and extra funding for local authorities."

The MP then explained how the tiers would be reviewed every 14 days using a variety of factors, including infection rates and pressure on hospital services.

Though the government has bought 350 million vaccines, Mrs Johnson warned it would be some time before everyone who needs to be is vaccinated.

"That is why it is so important that we hold firm and return to the tiered system so that we can get through the next few months."

"It would be fatal now to become complacent. We must hold our nerve, reluctantly but resolutely re-enter the regional tiers and get through the winter.

The MP added: "If we can continue to show the discipline and resolve that has characterised the entire country's steadfast response to this crisis, then next spring we can build back better from Coronavirus and it could truly be a season of renewal like no other."