SPORTS clubs have started to reopen as the country starts to come out of lockdown.

Bosses have spoken of their relief after some coronavirus restrictions were eased on Wednesday.

Tennis clubs have been quick to spring back in to action.

Castle Hedingham Tennis Club re-opened its doors to members after nearly eight weeks of closure.

The club’s committee has been adapting the Government’s new rules after they were announced on Sunday.

Members began to play at 2pm on the day restrictions were eased.

The new regulations only allow singles play, but will allow doubles if players are all from the same household.

The first match was an “American” doubles with club chairman Andrew Temperton and sons Sam and Archie.

Andrew said: “The club committee has worked very hard over the last few days to enable the club to re-open safely to members promptly after the lockdown rules were relaxed.”

Earls Colne Tennis Club has also reopened.

Head coach Tom Littlewood said: “After eight weeks of closing, we were desperate to get back playing tennis again whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines.

“We are now allowed to play singles against another player or doubles with people in your own household.”

At Colne Valley Golf Club, president Cynthia Hollingsworth was the first to tee off.

She said: “Since the Government relaxation of the Covid-19 rules regarding outside leisure facilities, staff at Colne Valley Golf Club have been busy preparing the course and surroundings to enable all to safely enjoy the game of golf.

“Sadly, as yet socialising is not allowed, but we are ensuring the safety of all who visit us.”

A special device enables players to retrieve golfballs from the hole without touching the pin.

Recycling sites and garden centres are also reopening.

The Prime Minister unveiled his ‘road map’ for bringing the UK out of the coronavirus lockdown on Sunday.

Boris Johnson issued a rallying cry during his address to the nation in which he urged the public to stay alert to Covid-19 and continue to abide by most social distancing rules.

Most of the lockdown restrictions remain in place, but the Government is now encouraging people to return to work if they are unable to work from home.

The public can also take unlimited exercise and meet other households outside – if they remain two metres apart.

Other areas of the economy such as construction, manufacturing and the housing market, can also start operating again.