The queue outside Marks and Spencer's Canterbury store for its Christmas Penny Bazaar on Friday. Picture: Chris Davey.

Bargain hunters braved the rain to pick up presents for a penny at Marks and Spencer.

Dozens queued in wet conditions on Friday to take advantage of the High Street store’s Christmas Penny Bazaar.

Hankies, puzzles, knickers and mugs were among the goodies on offer for just one pence.

Jason Pierce, 30, had travelled from Shepherdswell to be first in line at 6am.

He said: “I read about it in the Sun yesterday so I thought I’d pop along and get some cheap Christmas presents.

“It’s my first time, but I’m hoping they’ve got some good stuff on offer.”

Business student Duncan Macpherson arrived at the store when it opened at 9am, but still got what he was after.

He said: “I wanted to bag some bargain presents for my mum.

“I got a money box, some yule logs, a notebook and some knickers. I’m going back home to Suffolk for Christmas so it should be good.”

Not everybody was pleased with the cut-price event though.

Bill Jenson, 83, of Old Dover Road, Canterbury, said: “It just shows what people will do for a penny.

“Last year my friend queued up for three hours for a pair of socks. It’s just a big publicity stunt for Marks and Spencer.”

All money raised from the bazaar will go to Kent Air Ambulance.