As January sales are in full swing across the country, the Daily Echo takes a look at pictures of eager shoppers from years gone by.

Bargain-hunters lined up outside shops such as Debenhams or Owen Owen, each of them eager for the doors to open.

New attire has long been a primary focus for many during the sales which follow new year – with Next often a popular choice.

Some prefer to

grab something practical – like in 1992 when Tony and Bridget Jardine purchased bags full of pot and pans at bargain prices.

It can get all too much sometimes though, as an image from 1981 shows.

One shopper avoided the rush by taking forty winks on the beanbags on display.