The city centre saw cars queueing to get into the Overgate car park reach Court House Square by 10.30am, The Courier reports.

Malcolm Angus, Overgate Centre manager, said: “The atmosphere in the centre has been fantastic with last-minute shoppers generating a bumper rush of footfall, particularly across beauty, fragrance and leisure.

“Overgate gift cards are also proving popular with over £35,000 worth of cards purchased on Saturday alone and a steady queue at our Customer Service Desk experienced all weekend.

“Last-minute shoppers have been taking advantage of many great offers that some stores launched at the weekend and the centre’s extended opening hours on Sunday proved popular too.

“The centre’s food operators also experienced strong trade all weekend, especially with families visiting Santa’s School, and as we enter the final countdown to the big day we expect footfall to remain busy.”