Holidaymakers have been urged to stay away from Cornwall unless they’ve pre-booked accommodation and taken a negative COVID test.

The call from the tourist board follows a huge rise in coronavirus cases over the past week.

Cornwall Council said 4,700 cases may be linked to the Boardmasters festival held in Newquay.

There are now 770 cases for every 100,000 people living in Cornwall, which is up 100% on the previous week.

Head of Visit Cornwall Malcom Bell told the BBC: “We are asking people not to come unless they have booked ahead and request they take a lateral flow test before, during and after their stay so that people can be safe and help us to manage the current spike.”

Mr Bell also warned of overcrowding in the tourist ‘honeypots’ and urged holidaymakers to consider visiting the less popular areas. “We have over 300 beaches and lovely parts that can cope with visitors,” he said.