A CAROL concert has been cancelled following fears about the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Little Acorn Spiritualist Centre, based at Long Meadows Community Centre, Dovercourt, was due to host its Christmas carol service on Sunday.

The church cited the current dramatic rise in Covid infections as the main reason for the cancellation.

A spokesman said: “We have a duty of care to all who attend and feel it is irresponsible to go ahead.”

The number of coronavirus cases in Colchester increased by 320 according to official figures and one more death was recorded.

A total of 31,241 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 in Colchester when the UK coronavirus daily dashboard was updated on Wednesday.

The rate of infection in Colchester now stands at 15,842 cases per 100,000 people, lower than the England average of 16,523.

The number of coronavirus cases in Tendring increased by 168.

A total of 22,338 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 in the Tendring district on Wednesday.

The rate of infection in Tendring now stands at 15,160 cases per 100,000 people.