SHOPPERS are set to be out in force on Boxing Day to take advantage of the sales.

Thousands will take to the streets as shops on the high streets slash their prices.

Other will be taking back unwanted Christmas gifts.

The number of people spending at the Boxing Day sales has increased year on year.

And more stores around Bolton have responded by opening their doors and starting their sales a few days earlier.

To meet the demands of the bargain hunters, shops and stores are gearing up with stock so the shelves will not run empty over the bank holiday period.

Rod Neasham, manager of the Market Place, said: "It was a brilliant turnout last year. It was very busy and we are expecting an even bigger response this year.

"There are going to be more stores open this Boxing Day and the shops will be starting their sales on the day.

"We are offering free parking at the Market Place car park for those who want to come shopping on the bank holiday. This is the second year we have opened on Boxing Day. We were prompted to opening on Boxing Day when, three years ago, there were people queueing outside when we weren't even opening the Market Place."

Debenhams has held a number of sales in the months running up to Christmas and has already seen a huge demand by customers seeking festive deals and discounts.

Store manager Stephen Crolley said: "Our sale starts at 8am on Boxing Day. It will be our greatest ever half-price sale.

"We are expecting big queues to match the massive reductions. There will also be some great early bird offers on electrical, coats, partywear, designerwear as well as across the whole store. There will also be massive reductions on furniture."

This year is the first time that Crompton Place will open on Boxing Day and the stores in the centre are gearing up for the big sales.

Mark Rycraft, the Crompton Place manager, said: "This is the first year we are open because we have realised that there is such a high demand for people going shopping on Boxing Day.

"The store managers in Crompton Place are welcoming the move and are happy that they can trade and start their sales on the day.

"We are expecting a really big turn response from customers who want a bargain."

MFI, on the outskirts of the town centre, is hoping to attract people looking for home furnishing bargains on Boxing Day.

"The store is offering customers up to half price plus an extra 25 per cent off sale prices.

A spokesman said: "The doors open at 9am. With all products on sale, including newly launched ranges, customers will find furniture for every room.

"A complete kitchen, including appliances, costs just £499, and there's both a bathroom and bedroom package for just £199 each."