The first hybrid walk-in and drive-in coronavirus testing centre in the country has been set up in Slough this week, and is available for use by neighbouring areas - including Buckinghamshire.

The testing centre has been operational since Wednesday afternoon (June 24) and will be in place for the foreseeable future.

It will be based in the Montem Car Park, Montem Lane (off the A4 Bath Road) and anyone with symptoms – and, for the first time, people who are not symptomatic but concerned they may be infected – will be able visit for a test either by foot or in a car.

The site is being provided by the Department for Health and Social Care and facilitated by Slough Borough Council.

The centre will be open both for those who wish to make an appointment and for those who just want to drop-in - people are warned that drop-ins may have to wait slightly longer, however.

If coming by car, up to four people can come in the same vehicle, it is open for people of all ages, tests will be administered by visitors under the guidance of trained testing staff and there is no geographical restriction on where people can visit from.

If walking, all attendees over the age of three must wear face masks or they will not be tested. Children aged three and under do not need to wear one.

A special area for testing will be available for those who do not want to remove face coverings in public and a curtained area is also available.

Patients can bring their children.

Testing takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

Josie Wragg, chief executive of Slough Borough Council, said: “We are proud to be facilitating, not only a site with huge capacity for testing but also one which is the first hybrid site in the country – where people can drive and walk in with no appointment.”

Gareth Williams, cabinet member for public health and community engagement at Buckinghamshire Council, added: “This new site is a great addition to regional testing capabilities, and is particularly good news for people in the south of Bucks.

“We would encourage anyone with coronavirus symptoms, or who is concerned they may have them, to get tested. As aspects of lockdown continue to be eased, it is vital we continue to work together to stop the spread of coronavirus.”

To book, go to www.gov.uk/coronavirus