SPECTATORS are set to return to outdoor sporting events after lockdown, according to government updates.

Sports in outdoor and indoor events were this afternoon given the green light to resume following confirmation by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden tweeted that 4,000 spectators or 50 per cent capacity limits – whichever is lowest – would be placed in tier one, dropping to 2,000 or 50 per cent for indoor venues.

In tier two, it would be 2,000 outdoors and 1,000 indoors, or 50 per cent capacity.

Dowden added: “A big step forward for fans as we work towards fuller capacities.

“Thanks to pilot hosts & fans for showing this can be done safely.”

Elite clubs will now be permitted up to 4,000 fans, although Weymouth can only admit 3,300 due to ground capacity at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

The Terras have not welcomed fans to the Bob Lucas Stadium since beating Slough 2-0 on Saturday, March 14.

Johnson also said outdoor grassroots sports and indoor sports facilities like gyms would be able to reopen.

Non-elite sports are particularly boosted by the news, with the second lockdown denying them the ability to generate crucial funds driven by supporters on match days.

Lockdown is due to end on Wednesday, December 2, with spectators set to return immediately.

Elite sport has continued behind closed doors during lockdown, while non-elite sport was halted from November 5.

Expanding on the tier system, Mr Johnson said: “Later this week, I should say we will announce which areas will fall into which tier, I hope on Thursday.

"I’m sorry to say we expect that more regions will fall at least temporarily into higher levels than before.

"But by using these tougher tiers and by using rapid turnaround tests on an ever greater scale to drive R below one and keep it there, it should be possible for areas to move down the (tier) scale to lower levels of restrictions.”