PICTURES show shoppers flocking outside a Reading DIY store as the country enters the third week of the second national lockdown.

As a chain home and garden store, The Range has been classed as an essential retailer, meaning it didn't have to close when the country went back into lockdown on November 5.

READ MORE: Step inside this DREAM family home in Reading - which could be yours for £1.4m

The photos show queues of people lining up outside the Vastern Court Retail Park outside the store yesterday (Sunday, November 23).

The groups appear to be following social distance guidelines, but with dozens of people waiting to get into the shop, a lengthy queue developed.

Along with supermarkets and pharmacies, other stores which have classed as essential and allowed to remain open include: B&Q and other hardware stores; petrol stations; take-away and food deliveries; newsagents; pet shops; post offices and corner shops.

Boris Johnson is set to update the nation later today on what will happen when the lockdown ends on December 2, which is it currently set to.

READ MORE: FIRST LOOK at new bowling, golf and darts venue coming to town

It is understood that the Prime Minister will set out plans for a strengthened three-tier system of coronavirus restrictions to replace the national lockdown and to pave the way for a limited relaxation at Christmas.

It's thought he will detail his winter strategy on Monday afternoon (November 23), with a proposal to deploy a major testing scheme in an attempt to win over rebels on the Conservative backbenches.