People went shopping mad in York as they rushed to be a part of the New Year sales.

Julie and Roger Whitehill, from Sedgefield, celebrate a successful day's shopping in York

Bargain-hunters went home weighed down with countless bags filled with items from the big high street chains.

On Sunday York city centre was filled with shoppers looking in vain for ways to spend their money - but scarcely any stores were open.

Woolworth's and Dixon's cashed in on the early shoppers as they opened their doors - among the few shops to do so.

But trade was back with a vengeance yesterday when the other high street giants opened, many with huge "sale" signs plastered across the windows.

Shoppers arrived early to take advantage of the January bargain prices.

Roger and Julie Whitehill, both 29, travelled down to York from Sedgefield, in County Durham, especially for the sales in the city, and were both laden with shopping bags.

Roger said: "We've come here especially for the sales. We got here as early as possible because we knew it would be busy. We also wanted to get a parking space.

"We went to a lot of shops, River Island, Top Shop, that sort of thing. There does seem to be a lot of people about."

Meanwhile, Helen Wilson, 23, from Acomb, York, was also out and about in the city centre for the sales.

She said: "It's a lot of fun looking for the bargains, there's always a bit of jostling for position."

Richard Whittle, 48, from Wigginton, York, said: "I think everybody is a bit bored because the holidays have been so long. They don't know what else to do but go shopping."

Out-of-town shopping centres reported similar success.

Although Monks Cross was closed on New Year's Day and only PC World and Dixons were open on January 2, yesterday was described as "extremely busy."

Manager Katherine Hague said: "Compared to this time of the year last year, we estimate that visitor numbers to Monks Cross have gone up by 40 per cent.

"Trade is extremely good."

A spokesman for the McArthur Glen shopping centre at Naburn said the centre was closed on New Year's Day and January 2, but was busy yesterday.

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