Burnley: ‘Children ripping bags open for food’ during pandemic

The poorest communities have been hit hardest during the Covid-19 pandemic.

BBC analysis shows the death rate from all causes between April and June this year in the most deprived areas was nearly double that of deaths in the least deprived parts of England.

The majority of the top 10 cities and towns with the highest death rates were in the north of England.

The BBC’s special correspondent Ed Thomas spent four days with a community in Burnley facing severe economic hardship.

The government says it's providing funding for local authorities to deliver services, including £170m to help families stay warm and well fed, millions for food aid charities and £220m for children through the Holiday Activities and Food programme.

"We recognise how difficult restrictions can be, particularly for those areas that have been under restrictions for so long," a spokesperson said.

Filmed and edited by Phillip Edwards. Produced by Louise Martin.