STUDENTS have returned to the classroom for the first time in months today as coronavirus lockdown restrictions are eased in Herefordshire.

And Hereford's Royal National College for the Blind campus is also welcoming students back.

For visually impaired people, the coronavirus pandemic has added extra challenges to daily life, with social distancing and other measures, such as traffic light systems in shops, made more difficult.

Tim Morton, who is visually impaired himself, and who works at the college, said he hoped humanity would shine through as the college's students navigate their way through the easing of restrictions.

"I would ask people to be vigilant and more aware than they ever have before," Tim, who has worked at the college for 13 years, said.

"Humanity does not like to be told what to do, but social distancing is something we need to get to grips with, alongside being understanding and having compassion."

But while Tim said he believes most people are following the rules and respecting others' space and disabilities, visually impaired students have come up against problems while out and about.

"I have had young people coming to me and saying they had gone into a shop and been shouted at. But how do you explain to a guide dog to socially distance, find the end of a queue, or that there's a limit on numbers," Tim said.

"Life is much more challenging with a visual impairment, as is social distancing."

Students at the college are currently divided into 'households' to enable a safe return to learning.