AS it’s the time of year when post-Christmas sales would usually be attracting large crowds to city and town centres across the county, the Daily Echo takes a look at pictures of eager shoppers from years gone by.

Bargain hunters would queue outside shops such as Debenhams and Beales, each of them anxious to get inside and see what’s on offer.

New items of clothing, from trainers to formal shirts, were often a popular choice during the sales.

These days, many make a bee-line for electronics departments and stores in order to grab themselves a bargain television or a new mobile phone.