Strict new lockdown measures are expected to be introduced across Lancashire from Saturday.

The measures will be announced on Friday and are likely to follow a similar pattern to those introduced in the North East, which was placed into a tight local lockdown from midnight on Thursday.

UPDATE: Lancashire lockdown - new restrictions to come into force on Tuesday

Looking at the restrictions in the North East then, here's what we might expect to be put in place in Lancashire, including Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale and Hyndburn:

• Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens

• Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only

• Late night restriction of operating hours will be introduced, with leisure and entertainment venues required to close between 10pm to 5am.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Residents may also advised to adhere to the following guidance to further reduce rates of infection:

• Residents should not socialise with other people outside of their own households in all public venues.

• Residents are advised to only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work

• Holidays should be taken within your own household or support bubble

• Residents are advised against attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

The measures in place across the North East are aimed at helping to address the significant rise in coronavirus cases in the region in recent weeks.

Data from the North East has shown an increased rate of transmission in homes, hospitality venues and through grassroots sports.

The lockdown restrictions in that part of the country came into force at one minute past midnight today and will be monitored closely and reviewed on a weekly basis.

The next steps will depend on the impact the measures have.

The measures, when introduced across Lancashire are not expected to affect schools, colleges and universities, which will remain open and are operating in a COVID-secure way.

The police or the local authority will be able to take action against those who break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices starting at £100 for those who participate in illegal gatherings.

People aged 18 or over will be able to be fined:

• £100 for the first offence, lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days

• £200 for the second offence, then doubling for each further offence up to a maximum of £3,200