Shoppers were up before dawn today, intent on getting the best bargains in the Christmas sales.

They gave up a relaxed morning in bed to brave the hordes determined to snap up sale items reduced by as much as 50 per cent.

Churchill Square in Brighton was packed with shoppers who began queueing hours before the shops opened.

A spokesman said: "We opened at 4.30am and Next began its sale at 5am."

Elsewhere retailers opened early to make the most of the spending spree and reported brisk trade.

Alan Schpot, Debenhams store manager, said: "We opened at 8am.

"It was a very brisk start and there were lots of people in town. We are expecting to have a good day with lots of half price lines in store.

"The areas that are doing well include women's wear, particularly brands like Maine and Casual Club as well as many of our designer lines.

"There were a few people queuing to come in at 8am but Next opened at 5am so that had brought a lot of people into the shopping centre already."

BHS in Brighton opened its doors at 8.30am and a spokeswoman said it had been busy.

Bargain hunters descended on the shops in Worthing, where Next opened at 6am.

Many retailers reported long queues as the shops opened.

Marks and Spencer store manager Brian Butcher said: "It's the hardest time of year for retailers because we're straight out of the Christmas rush then into the sales."

Sharon Peskett, manager of River Island, said trade had been excellent.

She said: "We have been very busy. We thought about opening early but in the end decided to open at 9am and there has been a steady stream of people ever since after the bargains."

Val Hawkins, from Durrington, said: "I have been buying Christmas crackers for next year. I knew exactly what I wanted."

Hundreds queued outside the Eastbourne Arndale Centre, where Next opened at 6am.

Shopper Rosemary Green, 42, from Hastings, said: "It's become a bit of a tradition now. We didn't buy so many presents this year as a family, so we could spend more today."