Video game fans in Kent desperately waiting the release of the latest PlayStation and Xbox consoles look set to be able to collect their machines - despite being released to stores during the upcoming national lockdown .

Gamers have spent hundreds of pounds of the new PlayStation 5 and Xbox S and X consoles having pre-ordered them months ago.

But when Boris Johnson announced the national lockdown, it sparked fears many would have to wait even longer to get their hands on the machines if they had planned to collect them in-store.

However, one of the major retailers, Game, which has stores in Maidstone , Ashford, Medway, Westwood Cross, Canterbury and Bluewater, confirmed on Sunday afternoon customers who have already pre-ordered the Xbox X and S machines in-store will be able to collect them on the release date - Tuesday, November 10 - between 8am and 2pm.

It comes after Boris Johnson advised click and collect services could still take place.

A similar scheme is likely to be in place for the long-awaited PlayStation launch - due for release on November 19.

Hugo James, 18, from Margate, said he feared the worst when he heard of the latest lockdown: "I spent a lot of time waiting to pre-order the PS5 after saving up for months to get hold of one. But when I heard of the lockdown coming back in I feared I would have to wait until December to get my hands on it.

"Discovering I am going to be able to pick it up on the day it is out is a huge relief - especially as I can't carry out my part time job because of the lockdown."

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent