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Shoppers are flocking to B&Q shops this weekend after the chain expanded the number of stores open for business.

Long queues of eager DIYers have been reported at its shops across Wales, with bosses saying extra safety measures such as social distancing protocols are in place.

The mass-opening follows trials at a number of stores last week including the outlet at Culverhouse Cross in Cardiff.

Since closing due to the coronavirus pandemic at the end of March, customers have only been able to use the firm's click and collect services. These pictures show the scenes at Culverhouse Cross in Cardiff and there were similar queues in Swansea, Newport and Chester.

(Image: Richard Swingler) (Image: Richard Swingler) (Image: Richard Swingler)

The return of large number of customers prompted police in Swansea to remind people on social media that the should only be making essential shopping journeys, and querying whether "buying plants and decorating your home" fall into that category.

Long queues were also spotted at the B&Q branch in Newport on Saturday - though customers appeared to be observing social distancing guideance.

(Image: Media Wales)

Announcing plans to reopen its branches, B&Q said there would designated queuing areas outside its shops, markers every two metres for social distancing reasons, and perspex screens at the tills.

Under the emergency coronavirus lockdown hardware shops were categorised as "essential" retailers alongside the likes of pharmacies and food shops, but B&Q took the decision to close its stores.

This weekend new restrictions have come into place in Wales covering how people can leave their homes to take exercise - the new rules make it clear people must remain close to the local area where they live to take exercise, cyclists should not go for long rides, and exercise is not meant to be a social event or an excuse for otherwise being out and about.