Lockdown Eases: Shoppers queue outside world's biggest Primark in Birmingham

Shoppers queueing at 6:30am this morning at the world's biggest Primark store in Birmingham say they hardly slept last night in order to get to the shops early doors. Non-essential shops open today for the first time in more than three months, along with pub gardens and restaurants, indoor gyms, swimming pools and hairdressers.

READ MORE: What else will people be able to do in England from April 12?

From today in England millions of people have been given a portion of their freedom back.

Confirming he was sticking to his roadmap for lifting restrictions, Boris Johnson thanked the public for their patience, "because it is really clear now that this is paying off".

Shoppers were also queuing in Nottingham.

• Pictures from Ashley Kirk

Read more:

• Covid: Boris Johnson warns nation to 'behave responsibly' as lockdown in England eases

• Midnight haircuts and pints as lockdown restrictions in England eased

• In pictures: Pints, penguins and Primark, what a step towards normality in England looks like