FAMILIES from across Barnsley could be able to spend Christmas together as new coronavirus rules could take effect over the festive period.

Ministers will discuss plans to allow households to mix for a limited time over Christmas.

Up-to four households, or ten people, would be allowed to gather inside from December 24 to 28.

The plans will be proposed as ministers fear that the public will ignore coronavirus restrictions over Christmas.

Professor Neil Ferguson told BBC Radio 4's PM programme: “There are ways of going part way which still reduce the risk – basically extending what are called bubbles.

“You could think of allowing three or four households to bubble together for a week but not contact anybody else, which would give more opportunity to see loved ones but not a free-for-all.”

The government is also set to decide next week how the current lockdown system will end on December 2.