HUNDREDS of people have been enjoying Bournemouth's beaches today, but on the whole social distancing is being observed.

Despite appearing busier than last weekend, the town's beaches are by no means packed, and the so-called 'mass gathering' organised by the UK Freedom Movement and advertised online appears not to have materialised – at least not on any of the sections of the seafront visited by the Daily Echo.

Bournemouth Echo:

Visitors have been taking advantage of the sunny weather, with many strolling or cycling along the promenade.

However, aside from the sections next to Bournemouth Pier, much of the rest of the beach appeared relatively empty early afternoon on Saturday.

This is the first weekend since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a slight easing of the lockdown regulations.

Bournemouth Echo:

Now, people are allowed to sunbathe and travel to visit beaches.

People from different households in England can meet in outdoor settings, such as beaches and parks, as long as they stay two metres apart and that there is now no limit to the amount of exercise an individual can do per day.

Bournemouth Echo:

Dorset Police have said that anyone not following the Government regulations on social distancing measures “will be dispersed” and fines may be used “as a last resort”.