SHOPPERS have taken to Bournemouth town centre for the traditional Boxing Day sales.

Bargain hunters could be seen snapping up items in the sales at shops in the high street this morning.

Bournemouth Echo: Shoppers walk along Commercial road in Bournemouth during the Boxing Day sales. Boxing Day spending is expected to fall by more than a quarter compared with a year ago, after extensive new Covid-19 restrictions forced non-essential retailers to close. PA

The whole of Dorset - including Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole - is currently under Tier 2 of the coronavirus restrictions.

Bournemouth Echo: Shoppers walk along Commercial road in Bournemouth during the Boxing Day sales. Boxing Day spending is expected to fall by more than a quarter compared with a year ago, after extensive new Covid-19 restrictions forced non-essential retailers to close. PA

A number of retailers have taken the decision not to open on Boxing Day to allow staff to be with their families.

They include M&S, Home Bargains, John Lewis and Asda.

Huge swathes of the UK have today been placed into the tougher Tier 4 measures which is the highest Covid alert.

Under Tier 4, people are told they must "stay at home".

Bournemouth Echo: Shoppers walk along Commercial road in Bournemouth during the Boxing Day sales. Boxing Day spending is expected to fall by more than a quarter compared with a year ago, after extensive new Covid-19 restrictions forced non-essential retailers to close. PA

Non-essential retailers such as clothing and homeware stores will remain closed from today.

Boxing Day is usually a busy day on the high street for retailers.

Cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars are also closed under Tier 4 restrictions with the exception of providing a food and drink takeaway service.

Bournemouth Echo: Shoppers on Commercial Road in Bournemouth during the Boxing Day sales. Boxing Day spending is expected to fall by more than a quarter compared with a year ago, after extensive new Covid-19 restrictions forced non-essential retailers to close. PA Photo. P

All of Hampshire with the exception of the New Forest, are now in Tier 4.

The New Forest has been moved into Tier 3.

Bournemouth Echo: Shoppers in Bournemouth during the Boxing Day sales. Boxing Day spending is expected to fall by more than a quarter compared with a year ago, after extensive new Covid-19 restrictions forced non-essential retailers to close. PA Photo. Picture date: Saturd

In Tier 3 areas, groups of six will only be able to meet in outdoor public spaces, such as parks and sports courts – but not in private gardens. This limit of six includes children of any age.

Hospitality businesses are closed except for takeaway.