"We are in danger of local lockdown", admits Blackburn Council as infection rates continue to soar + Police chase leads to tactical stop and drugs arrests

Good morning from the LP team, who are still working from their homes in communities across Lancashire as part of our Covid-19 remote newsroom precautions.

In news, as Blackburn Council confirms the town is still in danger of a local lockdown, we are looking ahead to Friday when masks will become compulsory in our shops and also discussing the implications of the virus when winter comes along.

Local business very much remains on our minds as we talk to local cafes about the devastating impact of lockdown on their livelihoods - with one telling us they took just £1.80 in one day.

Needless to say, they desperately need the safe and robust support of the people of Lancashire, and we continue to campaign as part of #supportlancashire

In other news, a Preston Aldi store has been given permission to knock down its building and build a bigger and 'greener' alternative and drama as a police chase in Leyland leads to a tactical stop and drug arrests.

Our crime reporter Stef Hall is reporting from Preston's Courts today and her reports will go live as they happen and make sure to keep an eye on the business section for the latest from business editor David Nowell.

And in news to make you smile, Preston's Harry Mountain tells us about his new modelling and film career - at the age of 80!

All the news you need to read and more via lep.co.uk

Have a great Tuesday, Nicola Adam, deputy editor