CAFES were able to welcome customers back for a sit down with a hot drink or a bite to eat on Monday as outdoor seating areas could reopen.

Under Covid-19 guidelines, indoor seating areas will remain closed until May 17 at the earliest.

Although it was chilly, the bright sunshine saw customers return to their favourite cafes.

The owner of Odessa Cafe on Exchange Street, Alex McVey, arrived early on Monday morning to open up the deli and cafe.

He said: "It's been a very busy day in town, I think the weather has been very kind to use and we've been busy.

"I even saw people queuing up for Primark this morning, and the queues have continued all day long.

"I think people are just desperate to get out and have a bit of normality, even if that's just visiting a cafe or going clothes shopping.

"But it will be good to be able to open up fully again.

"This year has been really tough, but it's proven that Bolton people are incredibly loyal.

"I would like to thank all our customers and staff for helping us get through it."

Amico Cafe on Corporation Street were glad to welcome customers back to their outdoor seating area.

Owner Anastasia Rotaru said: "I'm really happy, it looks like we've come to the end of it all.

"Everybody seems very excited to be back, we've been busy all day long.

"Of course we've been running a take away service throughout lockdown, if it wasn't for this I don't think we would be able to open.

"Being able to have the outside seating has made a huge difference."