NOTORIOUS shopping day Black Friday did not see a repeat of the chaos witnessed last year – but Bolton's bargain hunters were still out in force.

Shoppers hit the stores early yesterday morning for the start of one of the busiest trading days of the year.

But unlike last year's manic scenes – when customers fought over big-ticket items – the sales were welcomed in with orderly queues and quiet aisles.

Horwich's Tesco Middlebrook store closed at midnight in preparation for a special Black Friday opening at 5am.

Despite the early start, a queue of nearly 50 people lined up outside to purchase goods including computer tablets, televisions, coffee makers and clothing.

Grandfather-of-five John Tyrer, aged 63, from Horwich, was the first camped out at the supermarket from midnight.

He said: "I'm looking for gifts for my family. I was diagnosed with terminal cancer three years ago so treat each Christmas as the last and try to make it a really good time and special for the family.

"I came here last year and it was pandemonium. I got knocked over in the rush and never got anything in the end.

"This year I came early again and the staff were really kind and let me into the cafe and gave me a cup of tea while I waited, it's so much better this year."

While some bargain hunters turned out in their pyjamas and dressing gowns, Aneta Huszti, from Bolton, took advantage of coming off her night shift to pop into store.

The 21-year-old had no plans to purchase anything but came away with a flat-screen TV.

She said: "I was saving up money for a tattoo but then I saw this. It was £349 and I got it for £199. You can't go wrong! I'm absolutely over the moon!"

On the other side of the retail park, Currys also opened at 6am with queues but the rush for bargains was not so great everywhere with no signs of eager shoppers lining upside Toys R Us in Bolton.

Prague Taylor, 40, from Salford, went in for a look round after dropping his seven-year-old son off at school.

He said: "My wife suggested I go in and have a look to see if the favourite toy he wanted was discounted, but it wasn't.

"There's a few bargains inside but not many. I'm glad it's quiet though as I don't like the crowds you get when shopping."

Bolton's Market Place reported good foot fall, with some retailers opening an hour early to catch bargain hunters.

Managed Nikki Wilson-Cook said: "It's all very positive with the stores that opened early getting queues.

"There's some really good offers on to entice people in and the footfall is really encouraging."

Most shoppers are believed to have turned online for bargains this year in a bid to avoid the shop-floor crowds.

Staff at online electricals retailer AO.com, based in Bolton, donned black war paint for what was set to be its busiest trading day ever.

As of 9am, sales were already double Black Friday 2014, with sales of food preparation appliances up 176 per cent on the same time last year.

The Vax Air Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner was the site’s fastest selling item and had sold out by 10am.

John Roberts, CEO, said: “We are having a fantastic Black Friday so far. It looks like online has definitely been the winner this morning as we’ve seen lots of existing and new customers choosing to get their knock out deals online to avoid the fear of getting knocked out in-store.”