Long queues for Penneys as the North takes major step out of lockdown

There were long queues outside popular retail outlets such as Pennys in Belfast from early on Friday morning as hundreds of shoppers returned to the city centre. Picture: Mark Marlow/PA

Northern Ireland has taken a major stride out of lockdown as many hospitality and retail outlets reopened their doors after four months of closure.

Publicans, cafe owner and restaurateurs are now able to trade outdoors, while all non-essential retailers can pull their shutters up once again.