'WE are open' - that is the message Weymouth business bosses are sharing as lockdown restrictions ease.

Weymouth BID, also known as We Are Weymouth, has launched its We Are Open campaign aimed at showcasing the diverse range of businesses available in Weymouth, and to encourage locals and visitors to explore all that the town has to offer following the easing of lockdown restrictions last week.

The BID is encouraging shoppers to stay local and support Weymouth-based businesses as the town recovers from the financial hit of the pandemic. Independent shops and boutiques have been restocked and are ready to welcome customers back inside, and the health and beauty care industry has reawakened after months of being closed - with queues outside hairdressers being among the biggest when they reopened on April 12.

Pubs, restaurants and cafés with outside seating have also reopened to welcome guests back for some al fresco drinking and dining and Weymouth Harbour was packed with excited customers as restrictions eased last week.

As part of the We Are Open campaign, the BID is taking part in Visit Britain's 'We're Good To Go' scheme - the Covid industry standard consumer mark available to provide a 'ring of confidence' for businesses, attractions and destinations, as well as reassurance to local residents and visitors that clear processes are in place in line with government and public health guidelines.

Dawn Rondeau, chief operations officer at Weymouth BID, said: "It is crucial that we do everything we can to showcase all the Weymouth's businesses have to offer.

"Lockdown has been a long process where many businesses have diversified and adapted their way of working in order to survive.

"As we celebrate the lifting of lockdown restrictions, we would encourage locals and visitors alike to look for the 'We're Good To Go' logo and commit to shopping within Weymouth to support our local economy."

For more information on Weymouth BID and tips on activities to do in the town, visit weareweymouth.co.uk/