'It's manic that way': seeking a slice of normality on Southend beach

While some the papers lose their temper, on the coast there is a heady mix of liberation, anxiety and sunburn

For those in any doubt about the lockdown latest, Wednesday's front pages could not have been clearer. The Daily Telegraph quoted the words of the prime minister: Our hibernation is beginning to end." The Mail, under the joyful summary SUMMER'S BACK ON!", said the bustle is coming back", adding: Boris unlocks nation and urges: go and enjoy yourself."

Thursday's front pages were pretty clear, too. They just took a slightly different view. One paper carried a half-page picture of ant-like sunbathers in Bournemouth with the line Only mad dogs and Englishmen". That was the Telegraph.