Shopping centre bosses are expecting a bumper Christmas dash by men looking for last minute presents today.

The Ashford Designer Outlet says stores are stocking up for the “man dash” and says footfall is expected to go up again this year.

Centre manager Peter Corr said the number of sales on Christmas Eve last year was up by 10% on the the previous year, and said footfall was up by 15%.

It is a trend that he is expecting to continue this year as Christmas Eve falls on Sunday.

He said: “The annual Christmas Eve ‘man dash’ is a major day on the retail calendar for the Outlet.

“Last-minute gift-buyers, particularly men, increase footfall in the centre and drive sales among retailers, who are well prepared.

“We look forward to welcoming shoppers on the final day of Christmas shopping and anticipate a significant uplift in spend across our stores.”