Plans for coronavirus research hub in the North creating 1,100 jobs

Coronavirus test.
Plans for coronavirus research hub in the North Credit: PA

Plans have been released for a Lighthouse laboratory in the North of England .

The Covid-19 research hub is the latest expansion of the Government's national Test and Trace programme.

The testing and research facility will serve Cumbria, the North East and Yorkshire.

The specialist lighthouse lab will be based in Gateshead at the Helix site in Newcastle, focused on developing new approaches to coronavirus science.

Blood samples in a covid-19 lab Credit: PA

The project will be a partnership between local councils, NHS Foundation Trusts, public health teams, local universities and industries.

It's hoped the new facility will bring together experts from a range of sectors and play a critical role in dealing with Covid-19 while also gathering information to better identify, prevent and deal with any potential pandemics in the future.