Coronavirus: Shops in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will reopen soon

Lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease across the UK - with most nations saying shops will be able to reopen soon.

In Scotland, shops will reopen from 29 June as the country eases lockdown restrictions.

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford announced similar changes on Friday for shops in Wales, which can open from Monday, 22 June.

He was speaking after the UK's coronavirus alert level was dropped from four to three.

Shops in Northern Ireland opened last week but Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said hairdressers, barbers and nail salons will be able to reopen on 6 July.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the country had now moved to the second phase of its four-phase process of easing rules.

People in Scotland will also be allowed to meet outdoors with two other households at the same time - rather than just one.

And anyone who lives on their own or only with children will be able to form an "extended group" with one other household.

The Welsh Government is keeping in place its rule that households can only meet people from one other household outdoors and it also wants people to stay in their local areas - though this restriction could be lifted on 6 July, Mr Drakeford said.

In Scotland, dentists will be allowed to reopen for urgent care from Monday, professional sport can be played again behind closed doors.

And in all countries places of worship will reopen for individual prayer.

Schools in Scotland will not reopen until the new school year begins on 11 August - and Ms Sturgeon said children will return to a different type of schooling.

"To allow appropriate physical distancing, children will return to a blended model of part-time in school and part-time at home learning," she explained.

Northern Ireland is also looking at a return to school after the summer holidays while Wales plans to reopen some schools on 29 June.