Shoppers in Leeds queue for hours to be the first back into their high street favourites as retail returns after lockdown

Some retailers at Leeds Trinity, the White Rose and Junction 32 at Castleford have been able to trade during lockdown but this was the first day since the new year, that shops classed as non-essential could also open.

Customers queued for hours, particularly at Primark and Debenhams, before opening to make sure they could make the most of it and three of the region's centres said trade had been busy with shoppers eager to get back into their favourite shops.

David Maddison, centre director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to welcome so many guests back safely today. Some of our retailers had queues a few hours before we opened in the morning, but these soon subsided and trade has remained busy and brisk throughout the day. The mood of shoppers has been positive with everyone following the safety precautions in place such as social distancing and face coverings.”

At Junction 32 shopping centre, the demand was for sports shops and a couple of high street staples.

There were queues outside Nike, M&S, Adidas and Darren Winter, Centre Director, told the Yorkshire Evening Post "it was a pleasure" to reopen.

He added: "It’s been a pleasure to re-open our doors at Junction 32 and welcome guests back to the centre today. I’m delighted to say that the re-opening has gone really well and even the sun was shining. We had queues outside Nike, M&S, Adidas and Clarks this morning with everyone following the safety measures in place. It was lovely to see so many visitors showing their support to our retailers.”