Queues, smiles - and is that Santa? 16 pictures as businesses welcome back customers in South Shields town centre

It’s great to be back – business owners, managers and customers alike have been enjoying reopening day in South Shields town centre.

Published 12th Apr 2021, 19:18 BST

Updated 13th Apr 2021, 09:36 BST

These pictures give some idea of the buzz as restrictions lifted on April 12

1. Is that Santa?

Merry Christmas all the same... Photo: Kevin Brady

Queues for shops in South Shields on Monday. Photo: Kevin Brady

Businesses are hoping footfall will return Photo: Kevin Brady

Gemma Parker and daughters Amber (10) and Holly (7) out shopping in South Shields on Monday. Photo: Kevin Brady