NON-ESSENTIAL businesses are reopening across the country as England’s national lockdown comes to an end.

Whilst many were quick to avail themselves of their newly-rediscovered freedoms, Basingstoke had a quite morning.

Take a look at our photograph gallery above to see what Basingstoke looked like this morning when lockdown lifted.

Along with the rest of Hampshire, Basingstoke residents now face tough tier two restrictions.

Whilst Hampshire residents will finally be able to get their Christmas shopping done, not everything is back to normal.

Non-essential retail, such as high street fashion and department stores, are now allowed to open along with hairdressers, beauty salons, libraries and gyms.

Whilst shops will reopen your Christmas shopping experience will be slightly different this year.

Tier two restrictions state that households, unless in a bubble, cannot meet indoors, so shopping with friends is off the cards for the moment.

People living in Tier Two areas will however, be able to meet other households at outdoor shopping spaces like markets and car boots.

The Tiers will be reviewed by Wednesday 16 December, meaning Hampshire now has two weeks to reduce infections and make their case for being moved down.

Cinemas and other indoor entertainment venues will also reopen today, with social distancing and limited capacities in place.