SCHOOLS across Evesham have welcomed back pupils as the first phase of lockdown loosening began.

Monday was the first time in months many pupils were able to walk through the school gates.

Chris Allen, headteacher of Bowbrook House School said: "We are delighted to have pupils back, there is more to school than zoom classes."

Stuart Weston, associate headteacher of The De Montfort School, added: "We are really pleased with the way all the students have come back. They are happy to be back, see their friends, keen to learn and to get back to normality."