Retailers are hoping for a Boxing Day bonanza as prices are slashed in a bid to entice shoppers into Britain's stores.

High streets and malls across the country are offering heavy discounts to make up for the dent to sales caused by plummeting pre-Christmas temperatures and heavy snow.

Consumers are also expected to snap up bargains before the VAT increase from 17.5 per cent to 20 per cent on January 4.

The fact Boxing Day falls on a Sunday means trading hours are restricted to six hours.

Shoppers coming into London will have to contend with the Tube strike which threatens to affect travel across the capital.

Many people are also expected to browse for items from the comfort of their own home to avoid the freezing conditions.