Three households will be allowed to mix for up to five days in a plan to allow families to reunite at Christmas, Government sources said.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has chaired a meeting with the first ministers of the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It is believed that under the plans discussed at the meeting three households can form an exclusive bubble.

Travel restrictions will be lifted between 23 to 27 December.

There is also expected to be a relaxation of coronavrius restrictions on overnight stays.

The Press Association reported the plan had been signed off at this afternoon's meeting of the government's emergency COBRA committee.

Ahead of that meeting, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed her hope that a "common framework" would be agreed across the UK for the festive period.