Video: Thousands of shoppers visit Wakefield as non-essential shops reopen

Thousands of shoppers could be seen in the city centre, as clothes stores, home shops, cafes and more returned to business.

Many businesses had faced weeks of preparations to ensure that their shops were ready to welcome customers, and many large stores have dedicated queuing systems in place.

Tania Howe, who runs Betty Loves Candles, said: "It was a shock going into lockdown, it happened all of a sudden. I tried to keep myself busy by keeping in touch with my customers by doing Facebook.

"It's gone quite quickly. I'm glad to be back. [Today] I had people straight in the door, it's literally been one in one out.

"Atmosphere is fantastic, people are ready for it. They're coming in, smelling the fragrances, it;'s lifting the spirits and it's just been marvellous, fantastic.

"I've put a notice outside 'ring my bell' so I can judge whether to let them in if I'm too busy. There's a one way system if there's more than two people in, I've got the distance markers.

"Everything's within the government guidelines, I've got plenty of hand sanitiser and even a mask when and if I need it.

"I'm prepared and I think we just have to adapt depending on the customer."

Some shoppers had concerns about social distancing, particularly on busy days.

One said: "The shops have done things to distance it, but the [customers] aren't.

"It's normal when you get in the shop, no one's really distancing. I think people just don't care.

"Me personally I'm not worried, but say someone else may be higher risk they might be a bit more worried."