Boxing Day sales on high streets across the UK

Millions of shoppers have hit the Boxing Day sales on high streets across the UK, seeking out the best bargains.

Steve Richardson, UK regional director at analysts FootFall, said: "With Boxing Day falling on a Saturday, this means for most an extended Christmas break with the extra bank holiday on Monday."

General secretary of the shop workers' union Usdaw, John Hannett, urged shoppers to respect store staff "every day, but particularly during the Boxing Day sales when bargain hunting can turn into a frenzy".

He said: "We would prefer retailers to close for at least two days at Christmas, which would allow shop workers a proper break and time to spend with their family.

"However more and more shops are now opening for special sales promotions on Boxing Day, so we urge retailers to only staff those stores with employees who have volunteered to come in."

Retail ombudsman Dean Dunham said bargain hunters were better protected because of the new Consumer Rights Act, but he expected the most common complaint to come from consumers refused refunds or replacements because the packaging had been opened.

The Consumer Rights Act gives shoppers 30 days to return a faulty item and receive a full refund.