Chelsea football club have announced that they are offering the use of their Millennium Hotel to NHS staff on the front line of the coronavirus outbreak.

Any NHS staff working at hospitals 'in the north-west London region' are currently included in the offer, which allows them to use the Stamford Bridge-based hotel for the next two months.

This period and catchment area may also be extended should it be required.

According to a statement, the idea was that of club owner Roman Abramovich himself and he will be covering all of the costs.

It said: "Many of the medical staff will be working long shifts and may not be able to travel home or would otherwise have to make long commutes. Local accommodation helps maintain the health and well-being of these crucial personnel at this critical time.

"The initiative came from club owner Roman Abramovich and, after contact with the NHS was made by Chairman Bruce Buck, it was decided the best way Chelsea can assist the NHS is to provide accommodation for NHS staff. 

"Mr Abramovich will be covering the costs of providing the accommodation.

"The number of rooms utilised will depend on demand but potentially all the rooms in the Millennium Hotel could be given over for this purpose. 

"No staff showing symptoms will use the hotel."