Since the end of November, "Covid Ambassadors" have carried out over 450 inspection visits to local businesses, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has said.

The ambassadors are employed by the district council and its Alliance partner High Peak Borough Council to cover both of the local authority areas.

The district council says 90% of businesses visited by the ambassadors showed "high levels of compliance".

Council Leader, Councillor Sybil Ralphs, said: "It's really great that we've seen such high levels of compliance with the guidelines and requirements that are in place to keep us all safe and I'd like to thank residents and businesses for their ongoing commitment to following the rules.

"These results show the fantastic response from local businesses who have been at the forefront of managing the impacts of the health pandemic and I commend them for all the work they have done and continue to do keep everyone safe.

"They are being supported by our Ambassadors who are a key part of our collective efforts and are doing a great job in assisting local businesses to ensure they are operating in a Covid secure manner.

"Their role is particularly important at this time because, even though we are in lockdown, the virus is still very much circulating in our communities so it's critical that we all do what we can to try and slow and stop it spreading."

As well as carrying out inspections of businesses, the council says its ambassadors can also "advise members of the public with any concerns they may have about breaches".

Councillor Ralphs added: "Now more than ever it's critical that we stay at home as much as possible and, when we do go out for essential reasons, we must all keep our distance from others, wear a face covering where required and wash our hands frequently.

"Our businesses and Ambassadors are working together to give us confidence that we can shop safely but we all have to do our bit to slow and stop the spread of the virus.

"If you do need to leave home for work for essential shopping, and you are not displaying Covid symptoms, that also means getting tested regularly. The testing centre is now up and running at Biddulph Leisure Centre to enable you to do this - just book a slot online.

"The vaccine roll out offers us hope of brighter days to come but, for now, let's remember that our actions count and do what we can to take care of ourselves and those we care about. Stay safe."