THE tills were ringing and bags were bulging as thousands of shoppers flocked to Worcester to pick up a post-Christmas bargain.

With many high street shops offering up to 50 per cent off, bargain hunters from around the county descended on the city to work off the turkey and spend some of their Christmas money.

Sally Pate, manager of clothing shop Joules, said about 15 people were queuing outside on Boxing Day waiting for the shop to open.

“It’s been really busy,” she said. “We haven’t got much stock left. Joules only opened three months ago and this is our first sale we’ve had in Worcester. It’s been really good.

“Boxing Day wasn’t as busy as we went on sale on Christmas Eve but it was really busy in the morning, I think people tend to get their shopping out the way early.”

Kate Semczyszyn, manager of White Stuff, said they had enjoyed a healthy trade since their sale started on Christmas Eve.

“It’s about level with last year,” she said. “There was a queue of about 20 people waiting to get inside yesterday [Boxing Day].

“With a lot of sales on the High Street only launching on Boxing Day I think there were a lot of people coming in.

“It’s definitely been a very good Christmas. I think everyone has made generous discounts this year. There’s been some good bargains.”

Shopper Elisia Webb, aged 29, of St John’s, said she had made a beeline for the Marks and Spencer lingerie sale.

“Marks is usually the one I go for,” she said. “I’ve bought pants, bras and pyjama bottoms. It was all 50 per cent off. But it wasn’t as much as it has been in most years. I think the reductions are a lot before Christmas this year rather than Boxing Day.”

Ellie Chambers, 16, of Upton-upon-Severn, was out shopping with her mum, Chris, and said she had picked up some bargains in New Look.

“We got some coats and jumpers because it’s cold,” she said. “The coat was £45 down to £17. We came at 9am. It’s reduced but it’s still quite expensive.”

Her mum added: “I think people haven’t got the money. They are more selective.”

Heidi Beck, 26, of Malvern, who was sale shopping with her mum, Jane, bought a jumpsuit from River Island reduced from £35 to £15.

“I’m happy with what I’ve got,” she said.