Retailers, restaurants and other businesses across the UK, including those in East Lancashire, have revealed changes to opening hours on Sunday and Monday to help staff and customers enjoy England’s Euro 2024 final.

As well as major brands, independent stores and businesses across East Lancashire have also announced changes to their opening hours.

On Sunday, a Spar store on Thwaites Road in Oswaldtwistle, is set to close at 7.45pm so staff can watch the game.

A spokesperson said: “It’s coming home. Our colleagues deserve some time off to watch the final so at 7.45pm, on Sunday July 14, we are closing our store early.”

Lancashire customers, served by McQueens Dairies, have been told to expect altered milk delivery times.

The company has given its drivers the option to deliver their milk rounds a day early, so they can enjoy watching England in the Euros final with friends and family. 

Depending on your milkman or milkwoman, some customers may receive their home delivery on Sunday morning rather than Monday morning, which is a day earlier.

“After Thursday’s game against Netherlands, we were inundated with holiday requests from our drivers eager to support England,” said Calum McQueen, director of McQueens Dairies.

“Instead of requiring them to take a holiday, we’ve allowed them to swap their milk rounds, ensuring our drivers can be part of the national celebrations whilst maintaining our high standards for customers.”

Sainsbury’s has said it will close its convenience shops and petrol stations early to allow employees to watch the big match.

The retailer said more than a thousand branches will shut at 7.30pm on Sunday, moving forward its usual closing times of 10pm or 11pm.

Clodagh Moriarty, chief retail and technology officer said, “We want to give our colleagues the chance to tune in live and cheer on England with friends and family.”

Tesco already said ahead of England’s semi-final victory against the Netherlands that it would shut its Express shops early for an England final.

More than 1,800 Express stores will close at 7.30pm instead of the usual 10pm or 11pm to allow employees to watch.

Elsewhere, many restaurants have also said they will close their doors during the game so staff can enjoy the final.

Restaurant entrepreneur Richard Caring said he will shut Bill’s restaurants and 26 of his Ivy restaurants at 7pm on Sunday.

It said around 5,000 staff members will benefit from the early closure for the final.

Lancashire schools have also announced plans to open later on Monday, so young fans can stay up late to watch the game.

St Charles' Roman Catholic Primary School in Rishton and Moor End Community Primary School in Oswaldtwistle are among those opening later in East Lancashire.

England will play Spain in the final of the football tournament on Sunday at 8pm in Berlin, Germany.