'Very close' friends 'happy' to be reunited for first time in nearly six months - and exchange Christmas presents as rule of six returns

But on a gloriously sunny day Roberta Allgood, Lauren Game and Sarah Jones-Bierton were once again reunited together - with Christmas presents in hand for each other.

The relaxation of rules allowing groups of up to six people or two households to meet outside has paved the way for friendships to be rekindled in person once more.

And the group of friends, who had arranged to meet up at Canoe Lake, were in buoyant mood as they caught up.

‘We’re so happy and excited to finally be able to meet up again,’ Roberta, 26, of Southampton said.

‘We haven’t seen each other since October so it’s been a long time...so long that we’re giving each other our Christmas presents today.’

Lauren, 25, of Portsmouth, said: ‘It’s been hard for us over the last few months as we’re very close and would always meet up every week before having met at college.

‘It’s been exciting to see them again and catch up.’

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Sarah, 25, of Denmead, added: ‘It’s been hard not being able to meet so we’re glad to finally be able to see other in person. We’ve done Zooms and have online chats but it’s not the same.

‘It’s nice catching up and fun to be opening our Christmas presents. We’re looking forward to having a picnic, walking down to the beach and enjoying the nice weather.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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