BARGAIN hunters queued outside Westquay from as early as 3am today in a bid to snap up some discount deals in the Boxing Day sales.

Thousands crowded into the Southampton shopping centre as retailers slashed prices in the wake of Christmas.

Clothing store Next once again proved a big draw, with queues forming hours before the store opened.

Cosmetic store Lush also drew big crowds, while there were queues inside Spanish fashion brand, Zara.

It comes as national figures show retails generated £12 billion in sales between Christmas Day and New Year, according to ShopperTrak.

High street retailers had already cut prices after trading on the busiest shopping day of the year, dubbed "Super Saturday", failed to lure shoppers to stores.

It has been a torrid year for retailers with notable high street names such as Poundworld and Maplin falling into administration, Marks & Spencer and Debenhams announcing plans to shutter stores, while Superdry, Carpetright and Card Factory issued profit warnings.

High street retailers have been battling higher costs, low consumer confidence as shoppers rein in spending amid Brexit uncertainty and people increasingly shop online rather than visit bricks-and-mortar stores.

John Lewis shoppers will not even have to wait until Boxing Day, with clearance having already started online at 5pm on Christmas Eve.

The sales will start in most shops on Thursday December 27 but its stores in the Trafford Centre, Heathrow and St Pancras are open on Boxing Day.

Argos will be starting its sale on Christmas Day online, as it did last year.

Debenhams is starting its sale online and in stores on Boxing Day, and will continue with the deals until the New Year.

However, the department store has been running significant sales before Christmas even arrived, with up to 50% off on designer womenswear and beauty and fragrance.

Tech giant Currys PC World is set to slash its prices, with last year's deals including bargains on laptops, TVs, washing machines and fridge freezers.

Samsung TVs were reduced by £700 and the price of the Lenovo IdeaPad was slashed by £220.

High street stalwart M&S is offering up to 50% off for Boxing Day shoppers.