GOVERNMENT restrictions on masks and distancing have been lifted today.

As of 12.00am on Monday, the official rules and guidelines around coronavirus have been dropped, meaning that shops and businesses must now tread the fine line between keeping their customers and staff as safe as possible and resuming business as normal.

Little Beasties, a pet shop in Ulverston, has announced that masks won't be compulsory for either staff or customers as of today.

They posted on Facebook: "Please feel free to make your own choice when it comes to mask wearing in the shop.

"We ask if you are not wearing a mask that you please continue to keep your distance from the staff and other customers as much as possible."

The staff have also been given the choice whether to wear a mask or not.

However, they say they will use masks per customer request if anyone doesn't feel comfortable being around unmasked staff.