WESTWOOD Cross enjoyed a bumper festive season with more than 400,000 shoppers flocking to the island’s showpiece retail centre in December.

It takes the total number of visitors to 2.5 million since the £100 million complex opened in June.

In the week running up to Christmas Day more than 100,000 visitors were recorded, with only slightly less on the week between Christmas and the New Year.

The centre even attracted 97 people who were caught on CCTV cameras on December 25 when it was closed.

Complex manager David Plumb said: "It has been very busy and shoppers are getting used to the fact that Westwood Cross is here to stay, although they still need to realise that we are open for late night shopping."

Three more stores will be added to the Westwood Cross line-up in the coming months although Mr Plumb would not reveal what they are.

He said: "They will be exciting and different additions to our store base."

He added that expansion onto the neighbouring site that currently houses a DIY store and a shoe retailer is planned for later in the year.

He predicted: "Westwood Cross is on target to exceed its expected number of visitors in its first year, which is extremely pleasing."