The coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford stops 70% of people developing Covid symptoms, it was announced today.

But data suggests that perfecting the dose could increase protection up to 90%.

Although Pfizer and Moderna results show 95% protection, the Oxford jab is far cheaper, and is easier to store and get to every corner of the world than the other two.

If approved by regulators, it is likely to play a significant role in tackling the pandemic.

The UK government has pre-ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine, enough to immunise 50 million people.

Over 24,000 volunteers took part in clinical trials in the UK, Brazil and South Africa.

The vaccine has been developed in around 10 months, a process that normally takes a decade.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as "incredibly exciting news", adding: "There are still further safety checks ahead, but these are fantastic results."

Professor Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and chief investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial, said: "These findings show that we have an effective vaccine that will save many lives. Excitingly, we've found that one of our dosing regimens may be around 90% effective and if this dosing regime is used, more people could be vaccinated with planned vaccine supply."

Professor Sarah Gilbert, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Oxford, said: "The announcement today takes us another step closer to the time when we can use vaccines to bring an end to the devastation caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). We will continue to work to provide the detailed information to regulators. It has been a privilege to be part of this multi-national effort which will reap benefits for the whole world."