SHOPPERS will be out in force on Friday as the sales begin in earnest.

The Boxing Day sales have become a tradition in Britain and show no sign of slowing down.

Shopping centres across south Essex have made their plans and are all set to welcome the hordes in the early hours of Boxing Day.

Mike Horton, marketing and promotions manager for Basildon’s Eastgate Centre, said: “Over the past 15 years we have seen Boxing Day sales really take off. It has become a prime part of the shopping calendar.

“We fully expect this year to be extremely busy, full of shoppers and top bargains – of which there will be plenty in the centre.”

At the Victoria Centre, Southend, queues are expected for the Next store, which is opening early.

Centre manager Dennis Baldry said: “Next customers are certainly dedicated, and we will be opening early for them as usual.

“It is looking like we’ll have packed shops and money going through the tills, which is always good to see.”