Demand across England’s high streets, retail parks and shopping centres have surged, as some shops reopened after a three-month lockdown.

There were long queues at places including Primark and Sports Direct although numbers were still far below the same time last year.

All shops in England are now allowed to open, with retailers having to introduce safety measures, such as plastic till screens and markings on the floor.

Police investigating the sexual assault of a woman in Priory Park, Reigate last Tuesday, are keen to speak to a couple who were in the area.

It’s thought the couple may have spoken with both the victim and the suspect in the park at the same time.

The incident happened between 4.30 and 6.30 in the afternoon and are asked to come forward to help with the investigation.

Local councils have been preparing for non-essential shops to open today. 

Crawley Borough Council, Reigate and Banstead, and Tandridge District Councils have installed signs and queuing systems, and are encouraging residents to shop locally. 

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has launched a campaign to ‘Shop Safe, Shop Local’.  Leader of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Councillor Mark Brunt has spoken about preparations to welcome more shoppers back to the town centres:

Gatwick Airport’s Fire and Rescue Service ran a relay marathon on the Airport’s main runway yesterday. 

The event raised money for SASH Charity which supports East Surrey Hospital and other services run by Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. 

White Watch ran 13 lengths of the 3.3 km runway which adds up to just over a marathon in distance.  The team ran in pairs with one of each pairing in full fire kit. 

The appeal has more than doubled its £1,000 target. 

Donations can be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/whitewatchgatwickfire.