A mobile coronavirus testing centre had to delay its opening this weekend as the businesses hired to run it 'failed to turn up'.

The testing site was due to open at the Last Drop Village hotel, off Hospital Road, Bromley Cross, on Saturday morning.

However, people who arrived looking for a test were left waiting and sent home to do their own test.

Bolton Council confirmed the testing site is part of a number are being set up in response to Bolton's increased coronavirus infection rate, but that the external business who were meant to get this site up and running "failed to turn up in the morning".

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "The testing site is one of a number of national sites set up in response to the increasing rate of infection in Bolton, and was due to open on Saturday, run by an external business, who failed to turn up in the morning.

"Thanks to the dedication of council staff, Greater Manchester Police, and the Last Drop Village hotel we have been able to step in and arrange for the testing facility to open."

It has been confirmed that the site is now up and running.

The spokesman added: "We're working with the government and their partners to find out what has happened.

"Although this was out of our hands, we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused our residents."

Cllr Andy Morgan, Bolton Council's executive cabinet member for Adult Services, said that he had visited the site the next day (Sunday September 13), along with handing out self test home kits in Victoria Square, and praised everyone involved for doing an "amazing job".

He posted on his Twitter page on Sunday evening: "Really positive day at the Last Drop Hotel mobile testing centre and in Victoria Square.

"Council and NHS partners doing an amazing job pushing testing, giving out face masks and reminding residents about washing hands, social distancing and staying safe."

Data from Public Health England has revealed 552 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in Bolton in the seven days to September 10.

This is equivalent to 192.0 cases per 100,000 people, up again from 126.2 per 100,000 in the seven days up to September 3 where 363 cases were recorded.

Bolton is therefore recording the highest seven-day coronavirus cases rate in England.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: "NHS Test and Trace is working, our capacity is the highest it has ever been and but we are seeing a significant demand for tests.

"New booking slots and home testing kits are made available daily for people with symptoms and we are targeting testing capacity at the areas that need it most, including those where there is an outbreak, and prioritising at-risk groups.

"Our laboratories are processing more than a million tests a week and we recently announced new facilities and technology to process results even faster.

"If you do not have symptoms and are not eligible to get a test you can continue to protect yourself if you wash your hands, wear a face covering and follow social distancing rules."