Shoppers looking to bag some last minute bargains before non-essential stores close their doors tomorrow have flocked to Maidstone town centre and ended up in queues.

Lines started appearing outside Primark, Poundland and The Card Factory from 10.30am with Week Street much busier than normal for Wednesday.

Some shoppers queued 20 minutes to get into Primark.

Everything bar essential shops and educational institutions will shut for a month from tomorrow, with only takeaways and deliveries permitted at pubs and restaurants.

The move has prompted shoppers to make the most of the high street while they still can.

Becky Hughes from Rochester travelled to the town especially to get some Christmas presents in Primark.

The store had lengthy queues which at one point reached halfway down to Burger King, but by arriving early, the-30-year-old managed to avoid the long wait.

She said: "I'm using today to get a few bits because let's be honest, lockdown is not going to be lifted.

"I've got a few presents, Christmas cards, Christmas wrapping paper which is near enough all I needed so I wont be going crazy.

"It was either here or Bluewater and I thought the queues would be much worse in there.

Helen Hobbs from Cranbrook, who usually visits Maidstone on a Saturday, says the town today has been busier than a weekend.

The 66-year-old said: "I think everyone has had the same idea because it's more crowded than usual.

"With the way it's going, and with the groups I've seen today, I don't think anything will open by Christmas.

"I've seen a lot of people panic buying so I thought I would get a few bits while I can.

"I don't need any clothes or anything like that so I won't be queuing for anywhere, but I might take a walk around The Mall just to see what's there."

Mother and daughter Demi Sheryer and Mandy Spiers, from New Romney came into Maidstone as part of a planned shopping trip for Demi who is celebrating her 21st birthday today.

Demi said: "We planned to come shopping today anyway because there's not a lot else you can do with birthdays at the moment but we are now sort of using it as a way to get a few last minute bits.

"We queued for Primark but it didn't take long to get in."

Mandy added: "We just wanted to do something on her 21st and get a bit of change of scenery while we can.

"Normally we go for a big family meal but that can't happen now.

"We've got a big family so we will be okay in lockdown, I just feel bad for the people who are on their own."

Friends Michele Walker and Diane Harman, both 52 from Maidstone, came into town with Diane's granddaughter, one-year-old Millie, for a final coffee and catch up in Costa.

Michele said: "We usually meet up once a week so now will be the last time for a while.

"It has been so busy today but we've avoided the queues so far. I've been in The Entertainer to get some presents.

"I work in Morrisons and the queues have been down the isles, some people have been stockpiling too, mainly frozen food this time which is crazy."

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