More than 1,000 people have been tested positive for coronavirus across Greater Lincolnshire as case numbers continue to grow.

The Department of Health confirmed 1,034 cases had now been recorded in the wider county with a death toll of 138.

Some 712 cases have been found in Lincolnshire, up from 669 yesterday, while North Lincolnshire has 244 cases (up 26) and 109 have been tested positive in North East Lincolnshire, an increase of five.

Tony McGinty, assistant director of public health at Lincolnshire County Council, put a recent rise in numbers down to increased testing of key workers.

It comes as a further 43 cases were confirmed positive today (April 23) in Lincolnshire.

This follows the county yesterday reporting its biggest spike in new cases, when 76 people were tested positive.

Nationally, 4,583 cases were reported today, putting the total to date to 138,078.

The official death toll increased 616 to 18,738.

In Lincolnshire, one further death was reported by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust, which runs the hospitals at Grantham, Lincoln, Boston and Louth.

The patient was a 64-year-old man who had underlying health conditions. His death puts the total at ULHT hospitals to 86.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust reported eight deaths today, increasing its total to 52.

The North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospitals at Stamford, Peterborough City and Hinchingbrooke, did not update its numbers today.

But on Monday it said, the number of deaths at Peterborough City had increased from 26 to 43 compared to a week ago.

The equivalent figures for Hinchingbrooke were 19 rising to 30 over the same period.

Around the region, Leicestershire reported an increase in case numbers from 752 to 776.

Peterborough reported an increase from 155 to 171 confirmed cases.

And Rutland remained at 13 again.

As always, the official government-supplied figures do not include those at home or in care homes. But those tested in hospital or similar facilities.