ABOUT 200 Christmas shoppers queued outside a top Bolton town centre store on Friday morning waiting for the doors to open at 8am.

The two entrances to Marks and Spencer were packed with shoppers hunting for last minute bargains.

Shopping centre chiefs have reported a bumper year of trade and are expecting more last minute present hunters to pass through their doors.

Mark Rycroft, manager of the Crompton Way shopping centre, said: "The centre has been very busy in the last week and all the stores have seemed more popular than ever. I expect all the shops will increase their year on year sales."

Rod Neasham, manager of the Market Place shopping centre, said: "Naturally, it's chaotic this time of year but the retailers won't complain about that.

"Business has been good but everyone is looking forward to the sales starting on Boxing Day. There is a good selection of shops in Bolton and also independent traders, a combination that shoppers find attractive.

"Shop workers have been under pressure but it's still nice and festive."

Reporters from the Bolton Evening News spoke to shoppers on Thursday night.

Julie Carline, of Manchester, said she chose to do her shopping in Bolton because she enjoyed its relaxing atmosphere. She said: "I've had a good night's shopping and must have bought 30 presents. Bolton is a great place to shop and there is a very nice Christmas atmosphere. I could have gone to Manchester or the Trafford Centre but there is plenty of choice here and it's nice to relax away from Manchester. It has been hassle free in Bolton."

Charles Parry, of Tonge Fold said: "I've been buying decorations as well as presents. Christmas has become awfully commercialised and people begin their shopping far too early.

"It should be a family time, with the emphasis on seeing people who are important. Shopping's been okay for me tonight, but I feel sorry for some families because it must be heartbreaking trying to keep kids happy."

Maureen Morris, of Breightmet, said: "I've been doing my shopping gradually and finished it all off tonight. There were some good bargains. It's a brilliant time of year with family get-togethers and seeing friends."

Karen Irwin, of Bradshaw, said: "I've been quite organised. I've got it all done within two days although it was a touch last minute. Mind you, some people spend so much time getting the shopping done.

"I've been buying for my kids and my husband Andrew. I've done all the shopping in Bolton, except for a few bits in Ramsbottom. It's a fabulous time."

Meanwhile a spokesman for the Trafford Centre said Monday's trading was their busiest day ever. He said: "We attracted nearly 150,000 people on Monday, a new record. Compared to this time last year we are about four per cent up on people coming through our doors.

"Up until this week, there hadn't been much of a seasonal boost, but opening until 11pm this week has seen shoppers come to the Trafford Centre in force."