HOW long would you queue for a Billy bookcase and some Swedish meatballs?

Thousands of people have spent hours waiting in the blazing sun today to get into Ikea for the first time since lockdown began.

The Swedish home chain reopened 19 of its branches in England and Northern Ireland yesterday.

Social distancing measures are in place and made for very long waits for some customers.

Keen shoppers staked out spaces at some sites way before the doors were set to open.

Pictures reveal carefully-planned queues snaking around car parks as consumers waited their turn to step inside.

They were allowed in 10 at a time, with mask-wearing social distancing "wardens" ensuring the rules were followed.

The National:

Jack Parkes, 33, told how he had queued for two hours to pick up a dressing table and mirrors for his daughter's room, saying: "People will probably think I'm mad for bothering, but to be honest it's another reason to leave the house after being told to stay inside for so long."

In Belfast, Samantha Fisher and daughter Atlanta waited from 8am to shop for bedroom furnishings.

According to new Ikea rules, family groups are banned and it will only allow one adult and one child per household inside the store at any one point.

Play areas and restaurants will stay shut, but meatballs will be available in food courts to cook at home.

Customers were asked to "come prepared with ready-made lists and own bags" and no cash payments were allowed.

The National:

Not everyone was sure they wanted to go, however.