Shoppers on Sheppey were taking the start of the second lockdown in their stride - probably because most of the panic buying happened on Sunday.

Customers began queueing outside the Island's Tesco store just hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the new measures and stripped the shelves of toilet paper, pasta and paracetamol at the weekend. Reports suggested it was taking one-and-a-half hours just to get inside at its peak.

By today (Wednesday) the desperation had dissolved although there were short queues outside the Card Factory in Sheerness High Street, presumably stocking up on Christmas cards in case lockdown overruns, and for the the Brothers and Scissors traditional Turkish barbers shop in Sheerness Broadway as chaps suddenly realised they couldn't spend another four weeks without a haircut.

Women seemed to be better organised.

Kevin Nicholls and Rachel Parsons were steadily working their way through pre-booked clients at Funky Divas. Kevin said: "Many phoned as soon as they heard about the second lockdown. We have had to work a little longer than usual to fit them all in."

Rachel said: "At least this time we had a bit of notice. Last time we went home on the Friday not knowing anything and couldn't come back to work on the Monday."

Charity shops are also having to close.

Sandra Pilkington, 69, and David Wright, 75, run the RSPCA shop next door. Sandra said: "It is such a shame because we were doing so well. Our customers have been very loyal. In fact, we have just had one of our busiest days ever. I have had to work six days a week because we have been short of other volunteers."

At the other end of the High Street former mayor Mick Constable was planning to furlough himself for a second time from the Oxfam shop. He said: "The last time it took us a week of working full days to clean all the clothes, books and shelves to reopen "

Some of the Island's pubs were planning a last 'hurrah'.

The Beach Bar in Minster is hosting a Bon Jovi tribute act tonight at 7pm after having quickly brought the booking forward from Saturday. Admission is £5 or free with a meal.

The Heritage micropub at Halfway is staging a quiz.

Landlord Melvin Hopper said: "Last time during lockdown we opened as a full off-licence with plenty on display. Customers could come in and select what they wanted.

"This time we can’t open like that. Customers must select their beer or cider and then call or text us to order. They can can then either collect it from the door or we will deliver."

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