More than £2 billion has been splashed out across the UK – and Southampton shoppers have played a massive part.

The tills have been ringing out for stores in the city’s biggest shopping precinct since Black Friday madness at the end of November when 89,000 shoppers came to West Quay.

But at the weekend an estimated 150,000 people rushed in to the shops to bag a bargain ahead of Christmas Day.

It’s a frenzy that has taken over the nation according to the Centre of Retail Research.

Researchers revealed that it was the busiest weekend of the year for high streets across the country as ten million Christmas shoppers collectively spent £2billion over the counter and online in two days.

Shopper Caroline Eastbrook visits West Quay every year to get her Christmas shopping and loved the mad rush in the shopping centre at the weekend.

The 48-year-old from Southampton said: “This is a great place to get everything done in one go, although I am very tired and glad my son can do the heavy lifting at the end of the day.

“West Quay is full of very busy shoppers but that’s actually quite nice because everyone still seems excited about what they are here for.

She added: “This is also a really good sign for Southampton that trade is good and it’s definitely the busiest I have ever seen it, I think it’s exciting.”

West Quay general manager Andy Collyer said as Christmas Day approaches the shopping centre is doing everything possible to accommodate demand and it could have been their busiest weekend of the year.

“With the third week of December upon us, Christmas shopping is well under way.

“We expected thousands of shoppers to visit this weekend and to support them during the festive period, we extended our opening hours and topping off the shopping experience for families, free Santa activities and cupcake decorating will be taking place every weekend until Christmas.”