THOUSANDS of bargain hunters opted against a Boxing Day lie-in and came to Bolton early to take advantage of the post-Christmas sales.

The traditional retail frenzy in the town centre yesterday was made even busier by the promise of bigger savings than usual.

With the credit crunch in full swing, many shops had already reduced their prices in the run-up to Christmas — then slashed them even further on Boxing Day.

Doomed high street chain Woolworths, already advertising price cuts of up to 50pc earlier this month, is now selling goods at up to 70pc off their original price at its Deansgate store.

The shop, which is due to close in the next few days, has started selling “fixtures”, which means shoppers can even buy the shelves.

Debenhams in the Market Place shopping centre was the first store to open yesterday.

At 6.30am, only a handful of people were gathered outside the department store, but by the time the doors opened at 7am there were hundreds.

Manager Lisa Hargreaves said the crowds were attracted by “doorbusters”, limited special offers which early shoppers could grab to make big savings.

She said: “It’s been a very good day. I’m really pleased."

Crowds also gathered outside Crompton Place before the doors opened at 10.30am.

By midday, stores throughout the town centre were packed, with long queues forming at the tills.

However, some of the biggest names in the high street, including Marks & Spencer and Next, did not open yesterday but were beginning their sales today.

Next opened its doors at 5am for the hardcore bargain hunters and other town centre traders were hoping for a bumper Saturday.