In Pictures: Sappers support COVID-19 testing in Rochester Cathedral

One of England’s oldest Cathedrals, Rochester’s 1400 year old place of worship is now providing an entirely new service to local residents as the Royal Engineers — or Sappers — offer COVID-19 tests to eligible locals

Soldiers sit ready to process tests under the vaulted ceilings of the cathedral’s crypt

The Royal Engineers have a long history with this location. The Corps’ origins can be traced back 900 years, when the Bishop of Rochester Cathedral brought engineers together for William the Conqueror.

Plastic screens are in place to protect visitors and soldiers .

This is the fourth Medway COVID-19 testing centre, established in the Crypt of Rochester Cathedral.

The tests can be processed in around 30 minutes

175 Armed Forces personnel, drawn from a composite of units based on 35 Regiment Engineers, are helping to man test centres across the Medway area, with the aim of reducing the infection rate.

Read more about testing activity being delivered by the Armed Forces:

Royal Engineers support COVID-19 testing near their Chatham base

Royal Air Force helps deliver Coronavirus tests in Wales

“It feels like I’m making a real difference”: Covid testing in Liverpool

Find out where the UK Armed Forces are deployed here: