Even the freezing weather with its plummeting temperatures did not deter the seasonal bargain hunters.

With the festive gift giving past and the turkey just a heap of bones, the shops beckoned - and many responded with enthusiasm. They started queuing from 5am for the post-Christmas sales.

As many as 100 earlybirds greeted Next manager John Mould as he opened his store in the High Street, Southend.

The store even opened early - at 6am - to cope with the mad rush to snap up cut-price bargains from the shelves.

The national high street chain annually employs extra staff over the festive period just to cope with the sales rush.

Mr Mould said: "As our sales are always so busy, we open earlier to try to stagger the number of customers coming into the store."

David Garston, Southend Council's portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, said that they were anticipating a bustling town centre.

He said: "We are confident all of the hard work which the traders put in to brightening up their shop displays before Christmas will pay off by attracting lots of customers."

Woolworths in Furtherwick Road, Canvey, reported busier post-Christmas shopping compared to last year.

However a spokeswoman said: "Boxing Day was on Sunday last year so it's not entirely comparable but trade has been much busier so far."

Bosses at Somerfield in Furtherwick Road reported a quiet start to the post-Christmas rush but said they expected trade to be busy.

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