A huge crowd gathered outside Woolworths yesterday morning hoping to get their hands on a half-price bargain.

The Ashford store postponed opening until 9.15am while shop workers prepared for the rush.

The much-loved shop is hurrying to sell off stock while the company desperately seeks a buyer.

About 50 people were queuing outside Woolworths in Hythe waiting for the doors to open at 9am on Thursday and by 10.30am the store was packed.

A member of staff said: "The shop was packed. By 10 we couldn't move."

The Folkestone store was also busy as soon as the doors opened, although shoppers were complaining that not all stock was half price, with many items only reduced by 10 or 20 per cent.