The vaccine group, at the University of Oxford, is targeting the Bundibugyo Ebolavirus, which is rapidly spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The rare species of Ebola that is spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as Bundibugyo, has no proven vaccine and kills 30 to 50 per cent of those infected.

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A health worker gets ready to start their shift at the Ebola treatment center in Rwampara, Congo, Friday, May 29 (Image: AP)

Bundibugyo has only caused two previous outbreaks, in Uganda in 2007 and then in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2012.

The Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG) is using the same technology that underpinned the Covid jab to develop a new vaccine for the specific strain of Ebola virus in the current outbreak.

Professor Teresa Lambe OBE, Calleva head of vaccine immunology at the Oxford Vaccine Group and Pandemic Sciences Institute, said: “We are hopeful that through a coordinated global effort, we will be able to curb this outbreak and stop this virus in its tracks.”

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Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, center right, visits the Evangelical Medical Center (CEM) in Bunia, Congo, Sunday, May 31 (Image: AP)

The outbreak – declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) by the World Health Organisation and Africa CDC, respectively – has already caused more than 900 suspected cases and more than 220 suspected deaths.

Five patients have recovered from the virus, the head of the World Health Organisation said on Sunday during a visit to a city at the heart of an outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Britain will provide up to £20 million to contain the outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The fire and rescue service said people in Witney should be aware of a controlled burn at the FLO Gas Witney site.

There is no cause for concern, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said in a public information notice to prevent people calling 999 out of concern.

The fire service has issued a warning (Image: OFRS)

The fire service has issued a warning (Image: OFRS)

A spokesman said: “Please be aware that FLO Gas Witney will be carrying out a controlled burn over the next 48 hours during daylight hours.

“Residents and visitors in the area may notice flames and smoke associated with this planned operation.

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“There is no cause for concern, and no action is required from the public.

“The controlled burn is being conducted safely and under controlled conditions by FLO Gas.

“Please help us by sharing this information with friends, family, and neighbours to avoid unnecessary concern and calls to the emergency services.

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

Two new padel tennis courts are being planned at Radley College near Abingdon under new proposals put to Vale of White Horse District Council.

Padel tennis is the fastest growing sport in the world right now, with figures from the Lawn Tennis Association showing more than 400,000 people were playing the sport in the UK last year.

Close to one million people in the UK play the sport now.

Prefects at Radley College (Image: Andrew Walmsley/Radley College)

And with more than 760 pupils enrolled at the boarding school, the college is seeking to “enhance” its extracurricular offer with more recreational opportunities.

Radley College is set among 800 acres and the new courts would be made within the northern part of the campus within the athletic track.

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The site forms part of a wider complex of Radley College sports facilities, comprising a hockey pitch and athletics track, as well as the rowing tank, strength and conditioning building and tennis courts.

An agent for the college said on its behalf: “In principle, the development is considered to be appropriate given its location within an established educational and sporting campus.

“The provision of padel courts will enhance the college’s sporting and extracurricular offer which is an important consideration within the context of a full-time boarding community.

Image of paddle players behind a net (Image: Archive)

“As such, the proposals are considered to accord with national and local policy objectives in respect promoting good health, wellbeing and physical activity.”

As well as the courts, the college would also equip the courts with external enclosures, lighting, alterations to the astro pitch fence and enhancements to the natural habitat around.

Governing body England Athletics warned that access to the courts should be “carefully managed” with a risk assessment.

It said staff should be aware of the potential for wear and tear to the track caused by increased footfall when accessing the courts.

Radley College is a boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18, and earlier this month it received international acclaim when it was included in the Spear’s Schools Index 2026, which named the 100 best private schools in the world.

At the beginning of May last year Radley College and Prep Schools Trust, which includes Cothill House and Chandlings Prep School, announced they were merging in one of the most significant mergers in the charitable independent schools sector.

Chandlings and Cothill, which educate boys and girls from two to 13, are located close to Radley College – one of three remaining full boarding schools for boys aged 13-18.

A decision on the padel courts will be made by Vale of White Horse District Council at a later date.