Three interminable lockdowns over 13 months have been tough for everyone for so many reasons on so many levels.

All of us have suffered by not being able to see family and friends during the Covid crisis, with some of us even losing loved ones.

For others, losing simple pleasures we had previously taken for granted hit us hard too.

Not least for those of us who love books, and browsing in bookshops.

But light is at the end of the tunnel with the easing of restrictions from tomorrow, Monday.

Which, for book-lovers in our area, means that Hitchin's Waterstones is set to reopen.

The site on Market Place had been a haven for those who love books - and who love being around books.

The Hitchin town centre store posted on their window: "We will be reopening when the next round of restrictions lift on Monday.

"With compulsory social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitising and maximum occupancy numbers in place.

"We look forward to safely welcoming you back to your local bookshop."

We agree, with many of us in Hitchin looking forward to visiting once again!