The pressures of Christmas shopping did not put off bargain hunters in Colchester, who flocked back for the sales.

Most of the main stores in the town began their post Christmas sales yesterday (Wednesday), avoiding the temptation to cash in by opening on Boxing Day.

Some hardened shoppers kept up the tradition of early morning queues outside clothes store Next by beginning their wait at 3.45am, when the sale did not begin until 6am.

And many shop bosses expected a good turnout despite reports before Christmas that sales nationally had not been as good as in previous years.

A spokeswoman for Next said the sale had begun well with some people waiting to be let in during the early hours.

"There were not as many as there usually are, but considering the cold weather it was still good," she said.

Marks and Spencer staff reported steady sales through the first hours of their sale, which began at 8am with an hour set aside for storecard holders.

Department store Williams and Griffin said the number of people coming through the doors had been encouraging during the first hours of its sale - and shoes were the big attraction.

"Customers have made a bee-line to that department in particular," said customer services manager Nigel Kew.

"Considering it has turned so cold there are a lot of people about and many more ringing the switchboard to find out if our sale has started."

Peter Frost, manager at Co-op in Long Wyre Street, said the mood was upbeat.

"We had a good run before Christmas with the extra shopping day and I did not notice sales being lower than other years," he said.

"There are a lot of good bargains up for grabs and people have been arriving steadily during the morning."

Early doors - bargain hunters take advantage of the special offers at Next, Colchester, at 8.30am on Wednesday.

Picture: STEVE ARGENT

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