CONFIRMED cases of Covid-19 are increasing in Largs and the surrounding area - despite a reduction in cases across North Ayrshire.

Between January 9 and 15, 57 were detected in the area, compared to 42 cases the week between January 2 and 8.

Across North Ayrshire, 385 cases were confirmed in that time.

This is a large decrease from the week before, when 476 cases were confirmed.

Fairlie and the surrounding rural area currently has the fifth highest case rate of any community in North Ayrshire, with 14 cases recorded in the last week.

Largs has seen a total of 29 new cases, a decrease of 13 compared to the period between January 2 and 8.

Largs North recorded 12, with Largs Central and Cumbrae accounting for 14 confirmed cases.

Largs South has one of the lowest incidences of the virus in North Ayrshire, with three new cases recorded.

Skelmorlie and the surrounding area, as well as West Kilbride and Seamill, both recorded seven cases of the virus in the last recorded period.

Across Scotland, North Ayrshire currently has the fourth highest case rate per 100,000 of the population, behind Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire.