LAST Friday was the first day that it was compulsory for customers to wear a face mask or covering in shops, supermarkets, takeaways and on public transport, and Dorset shoppers have taken the change in their stride.

A new law came into force making face masks compulsory for shoppers and those travelling on public transport with a risk of a £100 fine if people do not abide by the rule.

Shop owners are thrilled by the behaviour of their customers.

Tony Morris, owner of Rude Not To, a men's clothing store in Weymouth, said: "I did wonder if we were going to have to police people wearing the face masks but so far it has all been good. All the customers have been lovely and in good spirits, they don't seem worried about the face masks at all. The day before the rule changed I had one or two of them talk to me about their anxiety of wearing them so we've been selling bandanas which people seem to be more comfortable with which has been great.

"I haven't had anyone come in without a mask on. Customers are putting them on outside rather than waiting until they have come in to do it so they are all being really respectful."

Helen Davie, owner of Helen's Famous Wholefoods Store, a health food shop in Weymouth, said: "It has been absolutely fine with people wearing the face masks. There have been one or two that haven't had their mask with them but 99.9 per cent of people have got masks and are happy to wear them. They are definitely responding well to the rule."

Staff at Helen's Famous Wholefoods Store have decided to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) themselves in solidarity with customers.

Helen added: "We have decided to wear visors which we haven't been doing up until now but we decided that if the customers have to wear a face covering then it is only right that we should be wearing one too and it helps to remind them to keep theirs on."

Bike repair shop Mud, Sweat and Gears has put a sign up in their window reminding customers that face coverings are compulsory if they wish to come inside.

John Brookes, an employee, said: "Customers have all come in with masks on which has been good. We have had a couple that have gotten to the door, seen the sign, left and then come back again with a mask on. Everyone has been pretty sensible about it - we haven't had any riots yet."