Comet readers have been sharing pictures of their 'firsts' since lockdown restrictions eased on Monday, April 12 - with everything from pints, haircuts, swimming pools and more.

Our readers have been enjoying their outdoor pints and much-needed trims as lockdown locks get chopped off.

At the Rose & Crown in Market Place, Hitchin, two men (who do not wish to be identified for fear of reprimand from their boss!) enjoyed the first pints of the day - a trio of Stella Artois.

The Comet: Essential business: Three men enjoy the first pints of the day - a trio of Stella Artois - at the Rose & Crown, Hitchin.Essential business: Three men enjoy the first pints of the day - a trio of Stella Artois - at the Rose & Crown, Hitchin. (Image: Maya Derrick)

And at Crafty's in Letchworth, we snapped the first pint of the day going to Chris Wall.

The Comet: Chris Wall enjoys the first pint of the day served at Craftys, Leys Avenue.Chris Wall enjoys the first pint of the day served at Craftys, Leys Avenue. (Image: Archant)

In Baldock, we snapped one of the first haircuts of the day at 10am today - a short, back and sides for a customer at Tyler's of Baldock.

The Comet: Barbers like Tyler's of Baldock were certainly a popular destination for those of us returning to town centres on Monday, April 12Barbers like Tyler's of Baldock were certainly a popular destination for those of us returning to town centres on Monday, April 12 (Image: Georgia Barrow)

Swimmers also made a splash while completing their first laps at Hitchin Indoor Pool, greeting new and old friends alike.

The Comet: Swimmers make a splash at Hitchin Indoor Pool on Monday, April 12.Swimmers make a splash at Hitchin Indoor Pool on Monday, April 12. (Image: Paul Derrick)

And for many, the return of 'non-essential retail' has been a lifesaver.

Shaun Collins was able to open his store, SC Models, for just three weeks back in October. He says Monday was "lovely" as he welcomed back customers for the first time in months.

Cardies, in Old Town, also warmly welcomed their first customer of the day today, Charlotte Bradbrook.

The Comet: An excited customer gets his hands on the Maverick Quantum XT from SC ModelsAn excited customer gets his hands on the Maverick Quantum XT from SC Models (Image: Shaun Collins)

The Comet: Customers have been returning to shops across Stevenage on Monday, April 12 as coronavirus lockdown restrictions easeCustomers have been returning to shops across Stevenage on Monday, April 12 as coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease (Image: Cardies)

Even some customers have been counting down the days for the return of retail.

The Comet: Lauren's two children got to finally spend their Christmas money four months laterLauren's two children got to finally spend their Christmas money four months later (Image: Supplied)

Lauren's two boys, Hugo and Chester, have been patiently waiting to spend their Christmas money in Smyths Toy Store, Stevenage. They were among the first through those doors on Monday morning.

Independents are also back on the menu in Hitchin, as masked customers enjoyed the unique offerings of H-Town Rags and TwistedFabric.

The Comet: Masked customers browse in H-Town Rags, Hitchin as non-essential retail opens its doors for the first time in monthsMasked customers browse in H-Town Rags, Hitchin as non-essential retail opens its doors for the first time in months (Image: Maya Derrick)

The Comet: TwistedFabric's first customer of the day, Lauren EnglandTwistedFabric's first customer of the day, Lauren England (Image: Rick Gaglio)