It was a great success for many independent, local shops opening this week for the first time since March.

Shops selling non-essential items were given to go-ahead to open their doors after 12 weeks on Monday.

In Bridport, open signs were put out on the street, doors were open, and signs put on the ground to enable those queuing to be two metres apart. Many shops have antibacterial gel and screens in place.

Cilla and Camilla on East Street has a one-way system in place and is limiting customers to a maximum of two people from the same household in the shop at a time.

Member of staff Sophie Sharp said: “It has been busy, and people are happy to abide by the safety measures - there’s been no trouble at all. Occasionally some shoppers need prompts.

“It has been really good, and people are so happy to see us.”

Antonia Squire at The Book Shop in South Street is ‘doing the browsing for the customers’ as the shop is partially open.

Customers can come to the door and explain what they are looking for and she can bring a selection to them.

She said: “People have been great.

“It is so much better than just operating over the phone or through email. It is just getting incrementally better.

“One customer said, ‘this is what shopping used to be like’, talking to someone and they help you. We are bringing back that social element. Everyone has been talking about how good independent businesses have been in town.”

Antonia hopes to open properly next week but it may be July.

She also praised the community spirit in the town, with her neighbours Animal House taking in deliveries for her.

Ann Griffiths, owner of Bridport Lighting, said: “It has been good. A lot of people have been buying things they have seen in the window as we changed it quite regularly while closed, and people have said it is good to see us.

“It has been fine with people coming in as they are all getting used to queuing.

“It is really nice to be back.

“Bridport is so good for community spirit and supporting each other.”

Sue England, manager of Smith and Smith outfitters, said they had a steady day, with people abiding to the measures in place, which is four customers in the shop at a time. It’s changing rooms are open and these are cleaned after every use and the items customers try on are put in isolation for 72 hours.

She said: “It’s gone really well, it’s nice and calm. It’s new for all of us.

“People have been kind and are glad to have us back and we’re glad to be back - it’s worked very well.

“We just need people to carry on being sensible.”

Bridport Arts and Crafts is operating a one customer a time system and have brought the counter close to the door. Customers are unable to walk around the shop.

A member of staff said: “We have been really busy, better than we thought we would be.

“We have been keeping our distance, we can’t do much more than look out for the health and safety of our customers and ourselves.

“Most people understand [the new measures put in place] and have been queuing up.”