IT was bargain bonanza time in Bury town centre on Saturday (Dec 27) as shoppers headed for the sales.

Despite the frosty weather, early morning shoppers queued in their hundreds to bag the best deals.

Next, in Union Arcade, had a successful opening day, with more than 4,000 people through the doors which opened at 5am. Store manager Craig Rothwell: "It was a very early start, but we were busy right from opening the doors. The first few days have been excellent and most lines have been selling well."

Many people packed WH Smith, in the Haymarket, to spend their vouchers and pick up bargains in the stationery and DVD sections.

Jill McDonald, store manager, said: "This year has been great for entertainment and people have been able to pick up many bargains in store. We have also had more stationery in the sale this year and that has been selling well, too.

"We had around 2,000 people through the doors on Saturday when the sale started."

Staff at Our Price, in the Haymarket, said the first day of sales was "manic", with people eager to spend their Christmas money and vouchers.

Leslie Schofield, manager at the store in the Mill Gate centre, said: "We have had a lot of offers on and it has been really busy. The sale has been going really well so far. We're very pleased."