AFTER a slow start, the post-Christmas sales got into full swing. TELOR IWAN reports from the High Street.

IT was spend, spend, spend in Newport yesterday as the Christmas sales finally took off. After a slow start on Boxing Day with few stores open, bargain hunters queued from 5am outside some stores.

And throughout the day it was standing room only at Next and River Island - thanks to their half price reductions on all stock.

It was the Saturday before Christmas all over again in Commercial Street, filled with families weighed down by carrier bags.

Early-birds Suzanne and Kevin Monahan left their Aberbargoed home before sunrise to guarantee first choice.

Mrs Monahan said: "We've already been back to the car three times and it's only 10am. "But we weren't the first, there were plenty of people outside the shops when we arrived. "Next and River Island's sales are particularly good and Newport's easier for us and just as good as anywhere else for sales."

Husband Kevin said: "People might think we are a bit sad but the money you can save does make it worthwhile, it's the same clothes that were selling for twice as much before Christmas."

Next store manager Clare Witts said the sale this year was busier than she could remember: "I had to be here before five this morning and there were some people milling about then.

"I can't remember it this busy, people are buying armfuls of clothes, it's great." Recession worries or shopping fatigue were not on view despite the rain and Marks and Spencer said trade was 'buoyant.'

Allt-yr-yn student Louise Horewood eyed up M & S bargain of the day, a half-price leather jacket.

She said: "I don't think I'll buy it yet but there is a danger it will be bought by someone else, there's loads out today."

Faye Trickett, of the Kingsway Shopping Centre, said it was busier than expected. She said: "There are plenty of families and it looks as if Newport shops are popular this year."

Julie Carlson and Chris Harvey from Cwmbran bought all their bargains in just two hours. Julie said: "It's easy to get to here and there's a lot of good things on sale." Her friend Chris said: "We only had two hours so we're a bit tired - now we want some breakfast."