INSTEAD of curling up in front of the fire and tucking into turkey sandwiches and mince pies, bargain hunters have been pounding the streets, taking advantage of the sales.

On Tuesday, shoppers braved the cold to make the most of mammoth reductions of up to 75 per cent, on what for many stores was the first day of the end-of-season sales.

In Worcester's CrownGate centre, larger stores such as Boots, Debenhams and New Look opened their doors on Boxing Day. By 11am the next day, the centre's multi-storey car park was full to capacity.

Opening hours have been extended in many shops to maximise profits, including Next in the High Street, where a queue of customers lined the street down to the Elgar statue, each desperate to bag some bargains when the doors opened at 5am.

Store manager, Julie Greaves said: "It was probably the biggest queue that we have had in the last few years. They were queuing at about half past four this morning."

She was unable to disclose figures, but said that this year's sale was going "very well indeed".

The queues might have been long and the streets bustling, but tempers did not seem to be frayed as people shopped calmly, laden down with heavy bags.

CrownGate centre manager Carolyn Mantle said: "There's definitely a buzz about the place and it's been very busy, with a lot of people carrying bags.

"The Beatties House of Fraser Sale started today and they are certainly very busy.

"It was a relatively slow start, with a gradual build-up, but it's absolutely heaving now. I can see hordes of people milling through the centre, which is good news for everybody concerned."

With some prices slashed by up to 75 per cent, this year's Christmas money and gift vouchers are likely to stretch that little bit further.

John Kendrick, manager of the city's Cathedral Plaza Shopping Centre, said that Tuesday was a 'bumper day' for stores.

"Yesterday was the first major day that everybody was in sale, except for Slaters Menswear, which doesn't have a sale period," he said.

This hunger for a post-Christmas bargain appears to be part of a national trend, with reports of shoppers hitting the High Street in a £2bn spending frenzy, on what is believed to be the biggest sales day of the year.

THERE'S PLENTY ON OFFER FOR EVERYONE

Annie Ford, aged 59, of St Peter's, Worcester, said: "I think the sales are very good this year, but are on a bit too early. I always spend too much, but am spending a bit more this year, more than £200. I'm only going to Next."

Richard North, aged 41, of St John's, Worcester, said: "I've been out since about 9am. It was quiet this morning but much busier now. I came in on my bike so that I can get in and out quickly. My wife will probably be out all day."

Ryan Leigh, aged 23, of St John's, Worcester, said: "Everywhere seems to have over 50 per cent off the price, although a lot of things went into the sale before Christmas. I will probably spend about £200."

Sophie Cooke, aged 16, of Malvern, said: "The sales are superb this year, they are really cheap and I have got some really good stuff. It's not too busy either, but it is getting busier. There are more smiles than last year."