Boxing Day sales in Next, M&S, Debenhams and Primark lured shoppers out of bed at 2am.

While most of us slept off our Christmas Day over indulging, hundreds of bargain hunters queued outside Westwood Cross Shopping Centre to get the best deals.

The first two in the queue were Lisa Teun and Donna Johns, who plan the trip in advance every year and said said "it’s better than Christmas”.

Yankee Doddle Diner opened early to provide refreshments to those queuing from the early hours.

Francesca Donovan, Centre Manager at Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, said: “We were thrilled to welcome so many shoppers on the very first morning of the sale. Thanet residents certainly love a good bargain, and year on year we welcome even more shoppers to make the most of the discounts."

The Westwood Cross Shopping Centre Winter Sale runs throughout January, with retailers offering discounts of up to 70%.