SINCE it was announced as the date lockdown restrictions would ease significantly, April 12 has been circled on many calendars

It has been a day everyone has been looking forward to for months and it didn't disappoint.

Non-essential retail, barbers and hair salons were all allowed to reopen, while hospitality businesses with outdoor seating were able to serve customers al fresco.

There was an energy to Northwich, an excited atmsophere. For many, it felt like a bustling Saturday, with people braving the cold to be out shopping and enjoying food and drink outside.

Here we have put together some of the best pictures our photographer captured of life returning to the town.