HARRY Ramsden's restaurant in Swanage reopens today for takeaway and delivery.

This follows the reopening of three of the chain's restaurants, including at Bournemouth beach, towards the end of last month.

The Swanage restaurant is reopening, along with branches at Blackpool and Great Yarmouth, with reduced opening times and social distancing measures in place.

James Low, founder of Deep Blue Restaurants Ltd – the company that took over 14 Harry Ramsden sites last year – said the fine weather and easing of coronavirus restrictions on travelling had already helped the reopening of Bournemouth's Harry Ramsden's a success.

On the latest three reopenings, he said: "We have been keen to reopen gradually to ensure our team has time to adjust and we can make the necessary changes to our operational practices.

"The locations we have reopened have extremely well under the current circumstances and we hope to continue this success with Blackpool, Great Yarmouth and Swanage.

"Our customers have been happy to queue with social distancing and the feedback following our reopening in these beautiful destinations has been very positive.”

The popular fish and chip restaurants were closed at the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown.

Strict social distancing measures will be in place at the Swanage branch.

Mr Low said: "We are expecting to attract a lot of people who have been looking forward to spending some quality time with their families and enjoying fish and chips on the beach.

"This prolonged period of isolation has been very challenging for many and we want people to enjoy their outdoor leisure activity, while adhering to the rules and respecting one another."

Swanage's Harry Ramsden's opened at the town centre site of the former Fun World Cafe in the summer of 2016.