AFTER a difficult year, pubs across Basingstoke are among the businesses celebrating England's move to the second step out of lockdown.

Whether catching up with friends and family, taking a pit-stop in a day of visiting the shops, or keen to support their local establishment, punters flocked the town's beer gardens, with the sun coming out just in time for an outdoor afternoon pint.

Even before 10am, some eager pub-goers were waiting outside their favourite haunts, with four customers standing patiently outside The Angel in Festival Place.

And Wetherspoon weren't the only popular ones, with pubs across the town teeming with pre-booked parties and buzzing with the excitement of socialisation.

Although safety measures and rules are in place, with staff wearing masks, and table service necessary, for many today's trip to the pub marked a big moment in returning to 'normal'.