NEWS traditional light bulbs are being phased out has led to panic buying in south Essex.

Incandescent light bulbs are being replaced by low-energy bulbs as part of a Government campaign to get people to use less energy.

The end of the light bulb, which has been around for 120 years, is voluntary with manufacturers and retailers asked to phase them out.

Celco lighting shop, London Road, Southend, has reported increased sales of the tungsten bulbs.

Assistant manager Jason Edwards said: “We’ve had people panic buying and sold about 100 in a day of both 100 and 60 watt bulbs. I’ve spoken to the manufacturers and they say they are still being made and we’ll have some more in stock next week.

“It’s all because the EU has asked manufacturers to voluntarily stop making them. Some have, some haven’t. It’s really only supermarkets who won’t be stocking the traditional bulbs, because they’re leading the campaign.”