Shops in Sittingbourne are reopening today for the first time since lockdown began three months ago.

Social distancing measures are in place, hand sanitiser stations and screens have been installed, and some stores have one in, one out policies in place.

While other areas of the county had shoppers queuing outside before shops had even opened, things were slower to get going in Sittingbourne this morning.

But retail workers were ready to welcome customers back.

Stuart Kay, manager of Empire clothes shop in Sittingbourne High Street, said he’s implemented social distancing measures in his store.

He will be closing fitting rooms once they’ve been used, until they are clean, and stock that’s been touched, but not bought, will be taken out and given a deep clean before going back on the rails.

Customers will also be asked to use hand sanitiser and a Perspex screen is in place at the till.

He said: "We're allowing two groups of people in at a time.

"We don’t know whether it will be busy, we’re not too sure what to expect.

"People could come and see us because they don’t want to go to the busier places like Primark. We’ll have to wait and see."

Jewellers Battrum and Son is operating a one in, one out policy.

Other changes in the shop include sanitiser, screens, signs and card-only transactions.

Assistant manager Emma Forster said: "We haven’t been open so it’s been affected dramatically. We don’t do a great deal online because we are independent."

"We’re pleased to be open, but it’s all a bit of a mystery as to whether people will venture out to us," she added.

Fundraising stalwart Dale Howting has also returned to the High Street today for the first time since lockdown began.

The pensioner, who has been collecting for good causes for 43 years, is using an umbrella to help people keep their distance while still raising funds.

When asked how the pandemic had affected this year's fundraising campaign, Dale said: "Well, not at all really because I've been in my front garden, behind the wall, and I've collected £500 for Medway hospital, which I shall donate at Christmas to make it £1,000."

He said he hoped people would go and see him at his bike stand, at the entrance to Roman Square, while they were out shopping today.

"Most of them do - I do talk a lot," he joked.

Dale collects about £7,000 a year, on average, for numerous good causes in Swale including Age UK, the Salvation Army and Demelza.

It has meant that since he started fundraising, his total is now more than £289,000 and, this year, he hopes to raise the bar to £10,000, which would bring his charity collections to £300,000.

Meanwhile, signs have been put up in the High Street by Swale council reminding people to keep a distance and stay safe while shopping.

Some retailers have decided to stay closed, while WH Smith only allows eight people in the store at a time.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne