The number of Delta Covid-19 variant cases in Derbyshire has doubled to more than 400 infections of the new strain – but hospital inpatient levels remain low.

A total of 429 cases of the Delta variant – which originated in India – have now been recorded in Derbyshire up to June 16.

This is up from at least 215 in the previous week and every area of the county has now clocked variant cases into the double figures.

South Derbyshire now has the third highest share of Delta variant cases in the county and has seen a sizeable increase in the space of a week, now recording 44 cases, up from 10 the week before.

But the High Peak continues to bear the brunt of the largest share of Delta infections, with a total of 182, up from 127 the week before – a month into the Glossopdale outbreak.

Glossopdale's outbreak, centred on Gamesley, is believed to stem from the area's close ties to Greater Manchester through neighbouring Tameside.

Meanwhile, Derby has now recorded 57 cases of the Delta variant, up from 26 the week before and less than a month after confirming its first cases.

Here are the cases for the other Derbyshire districts, ordered by number of infections:

Erewash – 37 up from 15

Derbyshire Dales – 31 up from 12

North East Derbyshire – 29 up from 14

Chesterfield – 27 up from 11

Amber Valley – 12 up from fewer than five

Bolsover – 10 up from fewer than five

The Delta variant is more transmissible – spreads faster – than other versions of the Covid-19 virus, and is more likely to hospitalise patients who contract it, research has shown.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital staff are currently treating one Covid-19 patient and its intensive care unit does contain any patients with the virus.

There are two Covid positive patients at Royal Derby Hospital, with none in its ICU (Intensive Care Unit) , and one patient with the virus at Queen's Hospital in Burton, in its ICU.

Dr Magnus Harrison, deputy chief executive at the Derby and Burton hospitals trust, has said: "I know with very few Covid-19 patients in our hospitals it can be tempting to let our guard down, but we need to stick to the task."