Residents across the district are being urged to follow social distancing rules when pubs, restaurants and hairdressers reopen today.

Braintree Council leader Graham Butland has called on the public to keep the district safe ahead of what has been dubbed 'Super Saturday'.

From today, a host of social venues are allowed to reopen and the two-metre social distancing rule will be reduced to 'one-metre plus'.

Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers have all been closed since March when the lockdown was enforced to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Speaking about the latest changes to the lockdown, Mr Butland said: "This weekend sees some of the relaxations that the Government have introduced.

"In Braintree, some of our pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and tourists attractions will open.

"I hope everyone will be able to take the opportunity to enjoy some of these new freedoms.

"But it's important that we remain safe, and to do that we need to keep socially distanced and also remember to keep washing our hands.

"So whether you're going out and looking for that first pint for many a time, or like me looking for a haircut, then let's do it safely.

"Remember, keep our distance, keep washing the hands and let's keep Braintree safe."