Large queues form outside of Preston's Primark store as non-essential shops reopen

Covid rules have been relaxed to allow non-essential retail and close-contact services to resume today (April 12).

Keen shoppers reportedly started to form a line outside of the Primark store in Fishergate at around 7am despite the freezing temperatures in time for it's 8am opening.

While the first queues were quick to ease, the number of shoppers ready for their first taste of retail therapy since January 5 grew again this afternoon.

Images from the scene show barriers have been put in place to help shoppers follow social distancing guidelines.

Primark is also extending its open hours from 7am to 10pm to help prevent crowding in its stores.

Primark boss Paul Marchant said: "We have been working really hard to get our stores ready to open safely; we are fully stocked with everything our customers have been waiting for.

"We ask our customers to continue supporting us and be mindful of our in-store measures, in particular if queuing outside and in-store."

Although lockdown measures have been eased, Boris Johnson has urged the public to "behave responsibly".

He said: "I’m sure it will be a huge relief for those business owners who have been closed for so long, and for everyone else it’s a chance to get back to doing some of the things we love and have missed.

"I urge everyone to continue to behave responsibly and remember ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ to suppress Covid as we push on with our vaccination programme."

It is thanks to our loyal readers that we can continue to provide the trusted news, analysis and insight that matters to you. For unlimited access to our unrivalled local reporting, you can take out a subscription here and help support the work of our dedicated team of reporters.