SHROPSHIRE will remain in Tier 2 while Cheshire will go into Tier 3, after the government made an unscheduled review of the tier system.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock appeared on television on Wednesday afternoon to say that with the new variant on the rise and a more than 50 per cent increase in cases, the government were forced to react.

Mr Hancock made the announcement to state that a number of areas across the East, South East and South of England were being put into Tier 4 from one minute past midnight on Boxing Day.

He also announced that Cheshire would be moved from Tier 2 into Tier 3, meaning that pubs and other entertainment and food venues would have to close except for takeaway and delivery.

Non-essential retail will have to close while people would only be able to meet outside in their household or support bubbles.

Nearby Herefordshire has also been moved back into Tier 2, just a week after leaving for Tier 1; however, Shropshire will remain in Tier 2.

For more about the change of Tier for Cheshire, head to //www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert#businesses-and-venues