SHOPPERS rushed to join in the Boxing Day sales yesterday with retailers across the region reporting bumper figures.

A number of big name chains started their post-Christmas sales, including Debenhams, Selfridges, Dixons and Currys.

At the MetroCentre in Gateshead, thousands were queuing outside the doors before they opened at 10am.

There were similar scenes in Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Darlington, where the Cornmill Centre opened on Boxing Day for the first time.

Susan Young, deputy manager of the Cornmill, said: "We have been far busier than we thought we were going to be. Up until 2 o'clock we had had 10,000 people through the doors.

"I have been around speaking to the managers of the 14 shops that are open and they are really happy with the business."

The Bridges Shopping Centre, in Sunderland, attracted more than 80,000 shoppers.

Marketing manager Kate Crosby said: "It has been mad. We opened at 11am, but we had people queuing from 9am.

"We have had a really strong Christmas and a lot of shops started their sales on Boxing Day so they have had a very busy time."

The MetroCentre saw 60,000 shoppers, but the real rush is expected to start today with the Next sale getting under way at 5am.

The Cleveland Centre, Middlesbrough, only had HMV and WH Smith open, but was packed with bargain hunters all day.

Experts had warned that the Boxing Day sales could be make or break for retailers, many of whom had experienced slower-than-usual Christmas sales.

Richard Perks, director of retail research at analysts Mintel, said shops were relying on the sales period. "Trade has slowed down this year, partly because consumers have begun to realise that debt has got too high. However, I still think it will be a strong sales period and there will be lots of stock to clear, particularly in clothing."