An 88-year-old woman has won her six-week coronavirus fight and left hospital to rapturous applause.

The Dartford resident, named by Darent Valley Hospital only as Mrs Britton, walked out of Beech ward after beating the bug.

Senior sister Sharron Chattenton said: "During the pandemic, I was deployed back to respiratory care from my normal job as this was my former area of specialism. I then moved to Beech ward to support the step down of acute respiratory patients, who are still recovering. Throughout my re-deployment, I had the pleasure of caring for Mrs Britton during her acute phase of illness right through to her discharge home."

Mrs Britton spent almost six weeks with the respiratory team and underwent CPAP therapy, which is a very intensive treatment to restore oxygen levels. She was later transferred to Beech ward to recover and build her physical strength.

Mrs Chattenton added: "Throughout her care, Mrs Britton maintained a wonderful sense of humour and made a huge impression on every doctor, nurse, health care assistant, physiotherapist, pharmacist and occupational therapist that had the pleasure of meeting her. All of the staff are very aware that this extended time away from family is immensely challenging for our patients.

"Despite this, Mrs Britton met every challenge with true fortitude and regaled us with stories and jokes that have certainly filled shifts with laughter. Both teams would like to wish Mrs Britton a safe, speedy recovery. We will always think fondly of this lovely lady."

To date coronavirus has killed more than 20,000 in the UK's hospitals and more in the nation's care homes, elderly people remain particularly at risk.

The latest figures show more than 750 people have been discharged from Kent's hospitals, with a large proportion of those sent home from Darent Valley.

More than 3,500 in the county have tested positive for the virus and sadly 449 have died.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford