Crowds of shoppers lined the high street before first light as major stores and retailers were expecting a bumper day in the Christmas sales.

Queues formed outside Harrods and on Oxford Street in central London as early as 6am for the bank holiday clearances.

Department stores John Lewis and Harrods opened their doors for the first time since Christmas after staying closed on Boxing Day, and were expecting a massive boost in trade.

John Lewis launched its online clearance at 5pm on Christmas Eve and saw sales rise by 42 per cent with more than four products sold every second.

Figures for the week ending on Christmas Day showed sales of £97.1 million for John Lewis, up 30 per cent on last year as shoppers made their purchases before the rise in VAT in the new year.

Shopping centres around the UK were also prepared for a busy day as the big freeze eased its grip on the country and tempted shoppers back on to the high street.

Tim Walley, general manager at the Bullring in Birmingham, said: "During Bank Holiday Monday we expect to see in the region of 200,000 shoppers visit Bullring as the centre opens its doors at 9am, whilst Next opens at 5am to kick-start their post-Christmas sale."

Glen Barkworth, general manager at the Arndale Centre in Manchester, added: "There's some significant offers on high-ticket merchandise, plasma and flat screen TVs selling for under £400, silly prices.

"With VAT increasing in a few days time the retailers are gearing themselves up to take advantage, they have purchased in bulk and the public are willing to buy."