These were the scenes as Greggs re-opened its branches in Sheffield

The company announced plans to reopen around 800 shops for takeaways from Thursday, including nine in Sheffield.

The firm says it aims to welcome customers back to its remaining 1,000 sites by early July.

It appeared to be a quiet start in Sheffield, with rain keeping customers away from the branch in Fargate.

Bosses have unveiled new-look stores with floor markings, protective clothes for staff and screens at counters among several measures to protect against coronavirus spreading.

There will also be a reduced menu to ensure social distancing in kitchens and workspaces.

Greggs warned sales are likely to remain subdued as the chain copes with fewer customers allowed in stores at any one time, following a series of small-scale trials near its offices.

As a result of the expected fall in sales, an unspecified proportion of staff ‘will remain furloughed until sales levels begin returning to normal’, the company said.

The Newcastle-based business has taken a tentative approach to reopening, with management keen to avoid any rushes or overcrowding at sites following its three-month closure.

Rivals KFC and McDonald's have seen long car queues for drive-thru services and non-essential retailers were greeted with hundreds of shoppers waiting to snap up a bargain, as stores were able to reopen their doors on Monday.

Greggs had been allowed to stay open throughout the lockdown, offering takeaway and delivery services.

But bosses declined, saying it felt remaining open would compromise the safety of its employees.

Full list of Greggs stores opening in Sheffield

Sheffield, 21 Market Pl, S1 2GH

Sheffield, 6 Fargate, S1 2HE

Sheffield, 100 The Moor, S1 4PB *Just Eat & Click+Collect only

Sheffield, U3 Parkway Central RP, S2 5AU

Sheffield, U2 Beighton BP, Chstrfield Rd, S20 1DJ

Sheffield, Meadowhall SC, The Gallery, S9 1ER

Sheffield, UJ St James RP, Bochum Parkwy, S8 8BR

Sheffield, 61 The Moor, S1 4PF

APPLEGREEN Sheffield, S2 1GE