BARGAIN hunters hit high street shops in their thousands on Boxing Day as sales fever gripped north Essex today.

Many joined queues before daybreak with some stores opening as early as 6am.

With tills jingling like sleigh bells, retailers were hoping to cash in on the festive spending spree.

Ron Levy, of Colchester Retail Business Association, said it was too early to say how successful the sales had been, but business seemed to be booming in the run-up to Christmas as shoppers went in search of last-minute deals.

"I was in the car park at 10am on Sunday and the crowds were unbelievable," he said.

"The car park was virtually full already and people were driving around looking for spaces.

"I've never seen it so full so early and am sure it will have had a massive effect on footfall in the town centre.”

Mr Levy said it may have been a record-breaking festive season for retailers.

"I've worked in the town centre for since I moved here 28 years ago," he said.

"There were enormous numbers of people - I haven't seen so many for a long time."