LANCASHIRE has agreed a deal to enter Tier 3 lockdown restrictions - as talks continue over raising the alert level in Greater Manchester.

The north-west region has accepted a government deal to introduce the stricter measures. 

Restrictions will come into effect at midnight tonight, urging residents to to avoid travelling out of the area, and forcing bars and pubs who do not serve "substantial meals" to close. 

Socialising will also be prohibitied everywhere except outdoor public spaces such as parks, beaches, or the countryside. 

From midnight on Sunday night, casinos, bingo halls, and soft play areas must close, and car boot sales will be banned. 

The Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed that the county has secured £42m out of the £58.2m it was seeking as a package of financial support for businesses, the care sector and schools.

Initially, only £12m was on the table.

It is understood that Boris Johnson briefly addressed the meeting, but left without taking questions.

The update came as a joint statement from Northern Mayors, including Steve Rotheram, the elected official for Liverpool City Region - the first area to be moved to Tier 3 restrictions - said the north was united in its push for additional funding. 

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Jamie Driscoll, Mayor of North Tyne, also penned the statement. 

It read: "The Government is claiming that the North is divided and only interested in getting what we can for our own region.  That is simply not the case. 

“We are all united in fighting for an 80% furlough scheme for all people affected by regional lockdowns, wherever they are in the country.  Paying two-thirds of salaries will not be enough to protect the jobs of thousands – it should at least match the 80% that was available under furlough, with the minimum wage as the minimum support.

“The Universal Credit top up is not the answer.  It doesn’t help everybody and takes weeks to come through.  It will not prevent severe hardship for thousands of low paid workers before Christmas.

“But we won’t forget the self-employed and freelancers and other business who will be affected by these lockdowns, they also need support and we stand firm for those too.

“This is a fight for what is right.”