GRASSROOTS sport looks set to return to pitches and playing fields throughout the Tyne Valley next weekend after England’s lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that outdoor grassroots sports and indoor sports facilities like gyms would be able to reopen.

Johnson said in a statement to the House of Commons: “Spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls.”

Grassroots sport had been forced to pause since November 5 when the second lockdown came into force, a decision which led to protests and even parliamentary debates over whether certain activities and pastimes should be made exempt.

And culture secretary Oliver Dowden later confirmed the detail around spectators returning.

Posting on social media, he said: “Grassroots sport back on to help the nation stay fit and healthy.

“Gyms open and amateur sport back on in all areas. Kids team sport open in all areas.

“Some mitigations for high contact sports and adults sport indoors.”

Tim Hollingsworth, the chief executive of funding body Sport England, said the news was “very welcome.”

“There is now a strong recognition of the vital benefits of playing sport and being active, not just for your physical well-being, but also crucially as a support for your mental health,” he said. “As we head into the winter months, having a range of safe opportunities available like this is more important than ever.”

Cameron Bell, manager of Haltwhistle Jubilee FC, breathed a sigh of relief when hearing the news as Jubes prepare to return to action next Saturday.

The second-placed side continue to impress in their debut season in the First Division and remain unbeaten after seven games.

He said: “It was a shame to stop because we were in such good form so hopefully we can pick up from where we left off. We’re not sure if we’ll be able to have a training session before the game on Saturday so we don’t know how sharp either team is going to be.”