Bolton Market has seen an influx of shoppers as supermarkets struggle to cope with increased demand, with one stallholder describing it as “busier than Christmas Eve”.

Supermarket chains are putting strict policies in place as more people bulk buy in preparation for self-isolation. Several have launched special shopping hours for the elderly and vulnerable, and have placed limits on certain items. So people are turning to the traditional market to get their food shopping.

One shop assistant at a convenience store located within the market said: “It’s been ten-fold today, we can’t keep it full. It has been really busy, people are still wanting pasta and now they’re wanting everything else.

“We have enough supplies at the moment so we’re not struggling with most lines, with the exception of pasta. Normally we’re not this busy, its been dwindling over the years but suddenly because of this virus everyone’s panicking buying, which is great really."

However, there were concerns about supplies running out and the possibility of a lockdown.

A long-term stall holder said: “It’s a really good boom, if it keeps going it will be great. But I don’t know if we can stay open. It’ll be fine if people keep coming back to the little man. But I’m terrified about the future, it’s the fear of the unknown.”

Fishmonger Matthew said: “It’s been the busiest day we’ve ever had, busier than a Christmas Eve. But we have got issues with supplies, there’s nothing anywhere.”

A pensioner, who goes by Yvonne, came to the market to get hold of items no longer available in the supermarkets. She said: “There’s nothing there, I’m not stockpiling at all but all these other people are making it difficult for others. I went to my local co-op three days in a row and there was nothing.”

Meanwhile, crowds were seen raiding the shelves at 7.30am on Thursday morning at Morrisons supermarket in Harwood, which opened after a three-day refurbishment.

Customer David Kay said: “I went to Morrisons this morning for a few essentials, I could not get in the carpark, there were more shoppers than the Saturday before Christmas.

“Most people were over 60 years old and were stood side by side, yet I am told not to visit my local pub, how does this work?”