Bargain-crazy York shoppers were out in force today as the seasonal sales got off to a flying start.

Hundreds braved the frosty temperatures, some from as early as 3am, to queue for huge discounts at the now-famous Next sale in the city centre and at Monks Cross.

But as other shops across the city were bracing themselves to do a roaring trade, the Archbishop of York spoke out to question the "sanity" of the shopping mania gripping Britain and hit out at shops which chose to open on Christmas Day.

"I find this development depressing and dispiriting," said Dr David Hope.

"We need to restore our sanity as human beings. God has ordained we should have rest and recreation."

None of the supermarkets in the York area opened for business on Christmas Day but many were open on December 24, when trade was "buoyant".

And in York today, mountains of cigarette butts and empty coffee cups were testament to the anxious wait shoppers endured to get their half-price clothing.

The queue at the Next store, in Coney Street, stretched all the way down to the traffic lights at the bottom of Low Ousegate and began forming in the very early hours.

Cathy Bell, 19, Martina Lalowski, 20 and Julie Mann were among those nearest the front.

"We have come for kiddies' clothing," said Cathy, shopping for six-month-old Harry.

"We come twice a year and we can usually get most of the clothing we want for the year."

The girls said they didn't mind the wait in the cold as the "bargains are so good".

Children's clothes seemed to be on the agenda for most shoppers, with one shopper admitting she was going to dash in and buy everything she could - later bringing back the clothes that will not fit her child.

One couple rushed across from Hull for the bargains. Lisa and Phil Arksey left at 4.30am to get to the sale.

"The Next in Hull can get dangerously busy - literally. We thought it was worth coming to York where it is safer," said Phil.

"We have two kids and are hoping to get some half-price bargains for them."

And there were a few "early birds" at Debenhams, in Davygate, York, picking up bargains.

"It is nice to see so many people out and about so early," said sales manager Elaine Nelson, who opened the doors at 8.30am.

"A lot of stuff is half-price so we expected a few to be here."

But bargain-hunters were slow off the mark on Boxing Day.

Keith Lister was the lone figure outside PC World's Monk Cross store waiting to pick up a half-price digital camera.

Mr Lister, from Selby, arrived at 9.30am for the 10am opening keen to get the camera for his wife.