A busy Ormskirk town centre had a decidedly Mediterranean feel today as locals celebrated the easing of lockdown.

Almost every bar in the town centre was open with locals raising a glass to the news they can now meet each other after months of isolation.

Hairdressers, gyms, shops, libraries, pubs and restaurants with outdoor seating reopened on a bright but chilly spring day dubbed 'the Glorious Twelfth'.

Significant parts of the indoor and outdoor economy sprung back after data confirmed the government’s ‘four tests’ for easing Covid restrictions had been met.

This is the third stage of the government’s 'roadmap' out of this lockdown; however PM Boris Johnson has continued to urge caution because there has been no changes to social contact rules and many restrictions are still in place.

Outdoor gatherings must still be limited to six people or two households, and people must not socialise indoors with anyone they do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with.