Queues for annual sales frenzy

In Shropshire, more than 150 bargain hunters queued for the annual Next sale at the chain's Forge Retail Park in Telford with the scenes mirrored elsewhere in the county.

The chain normally launches its sales at 5am on December 27 but with the date falling on a Sunday this year bosses brought it forward to avoid being limited to Sunday trading hours.

However, that did not put off shoppers with the first in the queue at the Forge taking their places just after 3am.

Brother and sister Chris and Leanne Manuel travelled from Llanidloes and Welshpool, leaving home at 2.20am to be the first through the doors when they opened at 7am.

They were prepared to spend upwards of £750 with a list of things to get from other members of the family.

"We are here to buy items in childrenswear and homeware and plan to split up to try and cover all the different departments," said Leanne who had been to the sale in previous years but it was a first for Chris.

Sonja Newton, of Muxton, Telford, was also set to splash out about £400 after joining the queue at 4.30am.

"I can get enough childrenswear to clothe the family for up to six months, sometimes 12 months for what I will spend today," said Sonja who has been a regular at the Next sale for the last eight years.

"I think it has become of of our Christmas traditions now, when you think you can get jeans for £12 today that were £35 just a few days ago you can't afford to miss it."

Selfridges stores in Birmingham and Manchester began trading at 8am, and the London flagship was opening at 9am.

Debenhams was holding what it has called its biggest ever sale from 7am. Customers shopping online were able to get discounts two days early via its website.

A number of other chains also cut online prices before Christmas. DIY chain B&Q began its sale both on its website and in stores on Christmas Eve.

Retailers are expecting this to be one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

By Tracey O'Sullivan