ST HELENS' night-time economy welcomed its first weekend of trading in 16 months after clubs reopened.

Nightclubs were allowed to reopen their doors last week, from July 19, under the final stage of the coronavirus lockdown easing.

READ > £500k fund for businesses aims to revitalise town centres

And revellers were keen to make up for lost time as venues in St Helens opened until the early hours over the weekend.

Imperial in St Helens welcomed back clubbers as the nearby Church venue hosted live music on Friday and Saturday to bring in its first weekend of 'normality'.

Meanwhile, late night bar Empire on Westfield Street also celebrated a return of "a bit of normality" hailing an "amazing week".

The venue posted on Facbook: "What an amazing week we've had! It's good to see abit of normality and we hope you've all enjoyed celebrating with us! 🎉🙌

"Same again next week anyone? 😏

#5amfriday #5amsaturday #letsdothis"

Bar 44 was also among the venues to see its doors open until the early hours, with its first 5am bar in a long while.

Did you enjoy a night out in town at the weekend for the first time?