Shoppers and traders enjoy Romford market and high street in the sunshine

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. Helen Berry, Emma Dawson and Grace Dawson, eight months, enjoy a meal in the sunshine. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. Amelia Applebee, four with her shopping. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

This was the first weekend that non-essential shops, restaurants and bars could open in line with the government’s easing of lockdown restrictions on April 12.

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Tony Geary, who has owned MGM Fashions stall in Romford Market for 19 years, was delighted to see old faces after months of being closed.

The ladies fashion stallholder said: "I'm so pleased people can finally get the non-essential items they need.

"Some people came out for the very first time and they were so happy to be free.

"Overall, I was pleased with what I made, and had lots of new stock in for the customers."

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. Maddi Roovers and Evie Chipperfield with their shopping. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell visited the market and said there was a “great atmosphere”.

Andrew Rosindell MP enjoyed an ice cream during the warm day (Image: Andrew Rosindell)

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. MP Andrew Rosindell with his sister Gillian Rosindell and stall holder Salman Khan. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographerwww.elliehoskins.comellie@elliehoskins.com)

He told the Recorder: “It felt like the market we remember and loved so much.

“It's a reminder of how desperate the British people are to get the economy moving once again."

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell spoke to traders at Romford Market on Saturday (Image: Andrew Rosindell)

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

The MP applauded the government’s decision to ease lockdown restrictions and stressed the upcoming milestones should not be delayed.

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. Harry Edwards and Dave Joyce enjoy a pint together. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. Scott Gilrugh, enjoys a pint outside the pub. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Under the government’s roadmap, indoor hospitality is expected to reopen on May 17, when groups of up to 30 will be able to meet outdoors.

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. Drita Gjori and Elona Gjoni having some drinks in the sun. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

On June 21, all legal restrictions on social contact are set to ease and nightclubs will be allowed to reopen.

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. Brooke Josephs, 12 with all her shopping bags. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographerwww.elliehoskins.comellie@elliehoskins.com)

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. Andreea Dragan, Cristina Dragan, three and Malina Dragan with their shopping. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Mr Rosindell also thanked the market traders who stopped at 3pm for a minute's silence in honour of The Duke of Edinburgh.

Prince Philip died on April 9 and his funeral was held on Saturday (April 17).

Shops and pubs reopen in Romford Town Centre as Covid restrictions are eased. Andrew Channon enjoying a pint. Picture by Ellie Hoskins (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)