Shoppers have spoken of bargain hunters queuing for up to five hours before the stores opened to grab a bargain in the Boxing Day sales in Norwich today.

The earliest shoppers arrived at Next in Hay Hill in the city centre at about 1am - five hours before the store was due to open.

Next, which is open until 6pm, put barriers and a security guard at the entrance to the store.

It may have been a cold start to Boxing Day in Norwich, but shopper Samantha Dorken, from Hellesdon, said she was prepared to get up early to grab a bargain.

She said: 'I left home at 4.15am. I have been thinking about the sales all over Christmas.

'I've been to Next at Home at Longwater in Costessey, Next in Hay Hill, and Next at Riverside in Norwich. It's worth it just for the sales. You get more bargains if you get here early.'

Many Norwich stores opened extra early for bargain hunters with Debenhams, in Orford Place, welcoming shoppers from 7am. Other stores which opened early included Marks and Spencer, in Rampant Horse Street, along with Top Shop, Primark and The White Company in Gentleman's Walk.

Julia Gregory, from Thorpe End, was shopping with her daughter, Sacha Downs, from Sprowston.

She said: 'I got here at 5am. I was looking to buy some homeware.'

Jarda Reznicek and Mark Skipper, both from Thorpe Marriott, arrived at about 7.30am, and also headed to Next in Hay Hill.

Mr Skipper said: 'I come here every year to stock up with clothes - it saves in the long run.'

Mr Reznicek was also looking for clothing bargains, although he said: 'It's not as busy as normal.'

Chapelfield opened at 8am and will remain open until 6pm. The stores in Castle Mall open from 10am, with the centre closing its doors at 6pm tonight.

However, among the big names which are not open today are Jarrold's, in London Street and John Lewis. on All Saints Green. Their sales do not start until tomorrow.

Did you bag an extra-special bargain today? Let us know. Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk