Colin Wilkes, 59, who is manager of Durham Market Hall, said: "We are absolutely delighted we're all able to reopen today. It has certainly been a hard three months since Christmas. Everybody is ready to get back to it again and do what we do best."

He added: "It has been a very difficult year for all small independents. I think, to sound like a film title, 2021 will be the rise of the independent. I think support will be there from customers who realise how much independents did to stay open."

Elvet Bridge is starting to get busy. Customers are braving the cold for an outdoor cuppa and bite to eat

Gemma Nixon, 41, Anna Kidd, 28, and Mark Taylor, 40, are excited to welcome customers back to Elvet & Bailey. Mark said: "We opened the shop in September last year and it has been quite stop start, never knowing what's coming next.

Mark continued: "It feels like there is a bit more certainty now. Hopefully we can just get a good run."

There's a queue of people waiting to get into The Bishop's Mill which has plenty of punters outside

I'm heading to The Drunken Duck where they are getting ready to pour their first pint

Nice atmosphere in the city centre this afternoon. Lots people sitting about enjoying the sun and music

We're at Beamish Museum this morning where indoor attractions are opening for the first since December. The first people have just arrived #BackForGood

Staff are delighted to be meeting customers as they arrive to see the exhibits

Jo Ainsworth and Chris Bratlatt are delighted to be visiting the museum. Jo said: "I was here about three years ago and it is really nice to get be back. It's great to be out doing things again."

Gordon is heading out with Neils the horse who does various jobs around the museum #BackForGood

The sweetie shop is proving popular with visitors #BackForGood

I'm at Durham Cathedral now where there are lots of visitors back for the first time since November

Cathedral bosses have said it's great to welcome visitors back and they have been busier than expected

The cafe has reopened, guided tours are also back up and running as some volunteers return for the first time in 14 months. People can also visit the tower again in groups of up to six #BackForGood

The gift shop has also reopened #BackForGood

Now I'm at The Peacock in Sunderland to speaks to staff there about reopening #BackForGood

Manager Cindy Godoy, 31, said it is great to be open and welcoming customers back. They are serving lunches, are organising a pub quiz on a Thursday night and going to be holding live music events

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