RESIDENTS attempting to book coronavirus tests at Dorset's only regional testing centre have been advised to turn up in a vehicle without a booking.

Guidance has been issued in relation to the facility at Creekmoor park and ride after the Daily Echo contacted the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC).

This followed residents reporting that they had been unable to book a test online for the Poole site this week.

Instead, nearest testing site options listed included Salisbury, Newport on the Isle of Wight, Swindon, Coventry and Birmingham.

DHSC has now confirmed people had reported issues with the facility not showing up online, having initially not given this response when asked earlier this week.

The government department said people can turn up without a booking in a car while staff work to resolve this issue should they require a test based on the current guidance, which includes if you have any of the following symptoms: a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Mobile test facilities have been in operation in various Dorset locations during the pandemic, however, at present none are operating in the county.